§ Sir Clive Bossomasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has concluded his negotiations with overseas suppliers about the introduction of interim levy schemes.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleI am glad to announce that discussions with the New Zealand Government have been concluded, in the context of the interim levy schemes proposed for a number of agri-422W cultural products, and a basis of understanding reached on the application of the interim levy schemes to our trade with New Zealand. This includes the phasing in over a one-year period of the proposed levy on mutton and lamb and the application of the levy to bone-in mutton carcases at an appropriately lower rate. The implementation of these arrangements will depend upon the outcome of discussions with other overseas suppliers. There will be some delay in their introduction and the date of operation will be announced as soon as possible. Discussions are continuing with our other suppliers.