§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the effect of Great Britain's entry into the Common Market on the 25 per cent. of meat imports and of the effect of an import levy charge of 2s. 3d. per pound on beef and 2s. 4d. on frozen lamb, he will discuss these matters with his counterparts in Australia and New Zealand before negotiations commence with the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. HoyThe Government have made clear on a number of occasions the essential Commonwealth interests which we wish to see dealt with in our negotiations with the E.E.C. As regards the need for discussion before negotiations commence, the Government are in continuing contact with all Comonwealth Governments including Australia and New Zealand.
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§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the fact that the Butchers' Federation are to hold their Annual Conference on 20th April, he will seek to discuss with them the effect of Great Britain's entry into the Common Market on the price of butcher's meat to the housewife.
§ Mr. HoyI do not think that such a discussion at the present time would add to the information already available.