HC Deb 16 December 1977 vol 941 cc426-7W
Mr. Swain

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated effect on the British meat processing industry as a result of a continued expansion of imports from the other EEC countries.

Mr. Bishop

The impact of imports on the British meat processing industry cannot be precisely estimated but I recognise that our industry is facing severe competitive pressures due to primarily the unfairly high monetary compensatory amounts which pigmeat imports attract. My right hon. Friend is continuing to press for a revised basis of calculation of these compensatory amounts.

Mr. Biflen

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received concerning the desirability of United Kingdom meat processers having access to non-EEC supplies of manufacturing beef; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Bishop

There has been close consultation with our meat processers about their requirements for manufacturing beef from non-EEC sources. At the Council of Agriculture Ministers on 12th-13th December, agreement was reached to allow for the import into the Community of 50,000 tonnes of frozen beef for manufacturing in 1978 at reduced levy under the balance sheet arrangements.

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