§ Mr. Beithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the sheepmeat regime to become operative.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithImplementation of the regime is dependent on the conclusion of agreements with third country suppliers of sheepmeat, which are currently being negotiated. We shall make an announcement on the timing of implementation as soon as firm information is available.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the National Farmers Union on the need to gain acceptance and implementation before 31 July of the proposed EEC Council regulation fixing the basic price, the intervention price and the reference price for sheepmeat for the 1980–81 marketing year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithWe have received representations from the National Farmers Union about problems connected with the introduction of the new sheep regime. It is understandably concerned that there should be an early announcement of the date of implementation, although it has not mentioned 31 July.
On 22 July, the Council will receive a report from Vice-President Gundelach on his negotiations with the New Zealand Government about arrangements for voluntary restraint on their exports to the Community. We shall make clear the need for an early decision on implementation in order to remove uncertainty.