§ Mr. Leightonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the percentage reduction in the supply of sheepmeat to the United Kingdom market 683W between 1972 and 1978; why this reduction has taken place; whether he considers the existing supplies are more than adequate: and in view of the supply position of lamb in the United Kingdom market, if he will undertake to veto any proposals for a voluntary restriction on imports of New Zealand lamb which would lead to a reduction in the total amount supplied to the United Kingdom market, regardless of the country of origin.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithTotal supplies of sheepmeat to the United Kingdom market fell by about 24 per cent. between 1972 and 1978. This reduction reflects reduced consumer demand for mutton and lamb and is accounted for almost entirely by a fall in imported supplies. Existing supplies are fully adequate to meet anticipated demand.
The Council of Ministers has authorised the Commission to open negotiations with third country suppliers of sheepmeat for voluntary restraint agreements under which the Community would lower the tariff on imports in return for agreement by supplying countries to limit their exports to the EEC to recent levels. There would be no question of any reduction of imports from recent levels. Such an arrangement would allow the continuation of adequate supplies of New Zealand lamb for the United Kingdom market and Her Majesty's Government would be prepared to support it provided that the terms are freely agreed by New Zealand.