HC Deb 29 May 1963 vol 678 c126W
44. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what alteration he proposes to make in the commencing date of the agreement with the Argentine Government for the import of Argentine meat, in view of the confusion the present date will cause in the distribution trade.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

None. The situation in the market called for immediate action to restore stability and our aim therefore was to limit shipments for the remainder of the current year. The agreement reached was that the Argentine would send 203,500 tons during the calendar year 1963.

45. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of Africulture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now give an assurance that the allocation of supplies to various meat traders under the agreement with the Argentine will be done by British and not Argentine authorities.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

The Argentine Government have given us assurances that arrangements for limiting these exports will he on an equitable basis and will not give rise to any unfavourable discrimination against the rights of the British companies. I see no reason why the allocation of supplies for export should not be made by the Argentine authorities.

Forward to