§ Mr. Jayasked the Secretary of State for Trade what foodstuffs are now available at lower prices outside the EEC than within.
§ Mr. Shore, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 17th January 1975; Vol. 884, c. 207], gave the following information:
Of the main temperate foodstuffs, butter and cheese from New Zealand, and some qualities of lamb from various non-EEC sources, have recently been obtainable more cheaply than supplies from EEC countries. As is known, beef imports have been banned with the exception of a small GATT levy-free quota since July 1974. Precise comparison of the price of foodstuffs from different sources is difficult because of differences in quality, grade and method of presentation. For information on this I would refer my right hon. Friend to the reply given today by my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, Central (Mr. Hamilton).