HC Deb 05 December 1974 vol 882 cc541-2W
7. Mr. Sedgemore

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now cancel the ban on beef imports into the United Kingdom from outside the Common Market.

39. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the Common Market ban on beef imports is due to end.

Mr. Bishop

The suspension of import licences for beef and veal is a Community measure to which no definite time limit has been set. The Commision is engaged in consultation with the non-EEC supplying countries about new arrangements under which imports can be resumed.

45. Mr. Molloy

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what countries have protested against the ban on beef imports into the Common Market.

Mr. Bishop

The following non-EEC countries have made representations to the Community about the suspension of the issue of import licences: Australia, Austria, Botswana, Brazil, Colombia, Hungary, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Poland, Romania, Swaziland, Sweden, Uruguay, United States, Yugoslavia.

65. Sir John Hall

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total tonnage of beef imported into this country during the 12 months ended September 1973 and September 1974, respectively, divided so far as is possible into the classifications of good average quality and fair average quality; and what is the estimate of the imports of beef during the same period in 1974–75.

Mr. Bishop

It is not possible to classify beef imports in the way requested, but the total quantity of fresh, chilled and frozen beef imported into the United Kingdom during the periods in question was as follows:

October 1972-September 1973

(inclusive)

278,508 tons

October 1973-September 1974

(inclusive)

246,852 tons

Beef imports during the year ending 30th September 1975 will depend on a number of factors including the EEC rules and the commercial judgment of our meat traders.