§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps with the European Community to ensure that the New York dressed poultry trade within the United Kingdom will proceed beyond 1980; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the progress of his negotiations with the EEC over the New York dressed poultry trade.
§ Mr. StrangAs my hon. Friend the then Parliamentary Secretary announced on 2nd May 1974—[Vol. 872, c.520–1.]—we are seeking in Brussels to defer until February 1982 the application of EEC Directive 71/118 to our trade in uneviscerated poultry. Our negotiations on this are not yet completed but we are satisfied with the progress which is being made and are hopeful of a satisfactory outcome. Our consultations with producer and trade interests will continue and we will make an announcement as soon as a firm decision has been reached.