§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food whether he will improve the arrangements under which allocations of levy-free meat imports are made to ensure that smaller firms get fair treatment; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BishopLevy-free imports of beef into the EEC are made under two schemes; the balance sheet for manufacturing beef, and the GATT quota for 813W frozen beef. Allocation by the Commission of import licences under the balance sheet schemes reflects the bids submitted by the processors and importers throughout the Community. Under the GATT quote scheme allocation of the United Kingdom share is carried out by my Department and is based primarily on the applicant's past performance. Consultation are currently being under-taken with the interests concerned about the basis of allocations in 1978.