HC Deb 24 October 1979 vol 972 c228W
Mr. Richard Shepherd

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received from the Government of New Zealand on access to the United Kingdom for New Zealand agricultural produce; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Walker

During his recent visit to this country the New Zealand Prime Minister expressed concern about the implications for New Zealand of proposals for a EEC sheepmeat regime. I assured him of our aim to maintain our trading links with New Zealand and to protect existing access for frozen lamb to the United Kingdom market.

We also discussed dairy products. We agreed to examine the detailed arrangements which will be necessary to secure satisfactory arrangements for access for butter from January 1981.

I shall continue to keep in close touch with the New Zealand authorities on these and other issues affecting trade in agricultural products between our two countries.