§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will negotiate safeguards for New Zealand butter arising out of the recent EEC butter subsidy arrangements, and ensure that the previous levy provisions for New Zealand produce are brought into line.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerAt its meeting on 18–22 June, the Council of Ministers agreed that the increased EEC butter subsidy should be paid on New Zealand butter through a corresponding reduction in the special levy. I have made it clear to the Commission that this reduction should be made straight away so as to enable New Zealand supplies to compete with Community butter receiving the new subsidy. In the meantime, I have made arrangements to ensure that New Zealand butter reaches the shops with the benefit of direct payment of subsidy.