§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will seek an assurance from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics that the profits made by the Soviet State trading organisations on selling subsidised European Economic Community butter and beef will not be used to finance either the holding of the Olympic Games or the invasion of Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Ian GilmourAs a result of decisions taken by the Foreign Affairs Council on 15 January subsidised food exports to the Soviet Union will not be permitted to exceed traditional levels. As from 21 June the Commission has decided, in accordance with this policy, that there will be no further commitments this year to export refunds on beef for the Soviet Union. The Government remain in principle opposed to subsidised exports to the Soviet Union. There is no chance of obtaining an assurance on the lines suggested.