§ Mr. Gouldasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether there is any factor, other than EEC 839W policy, which would prevent the United Kingdom from importing cheap beef from Argentina and elsewhere.
§ Mr. BishopImports of beef into the United Kingdom from third countries are subject to commercial policy and veterinary considerations. From the point of view of commercial policy the Community's beef import regime currently regulates through the safeguard clause and other special arrangements the maximum quantities of beef from third countries which may be imported into the United Kingdom. The use of the safeguard clause is due to be replaced with the revised EEC import regime based on variable levies to which my right hon. Friend referred in his statement on 26th November—[Vol. 921, c. 337–45]. From the point of view of animal and public health our national rules will continue to apply to third country imports until the end of 1977 and will take account of the prevailing disease situation in Argentina and other third countries. Other factors which will affect our ability to import beef from third countries, including Argentina, are our purchasing power, the existence of trading links and the requirements of our consumers.