§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Food how much was paid out in deficiency payments during 1979 to foreign lamb producers; what were the corresponding figures for the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithNothing was paid out by the United Kingdom in deficiency payments to lamb producers outside the United Kingdom. However, payments were made to the Government of the Republic of Ireland under the Anglo-Irish free trade area agreement: but these arrangements were suspended in 1978 following the conclusion of the Franco-Irish agreement under which Irish exports of sheep meat have been admitted to France since 1 January 1978 without the restrictions applied to British exports.