HC Deb 07 March 1980 vol 980 cc373-4W
Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the rising trend of imports of turkeys and turkeymeat from the United States of America and the risk of imports from the Eastern bloc through West Germany.

Mr. Peter Walker

With the exception of trade between East and West Germany, exports of turkeys and turkeymeat from third countries to member States of the Community are subject to the Community's import regime, as set out in Community regulations. There is provision for the regulations to be amended in the light of developments, if necessary. In the case of imports from the United States, there is also a commitment under GATT that, if imports of turkeymeat into the Community from the US exceed the average of 1977–78, discussions will be held to examine the situation and if necessary find a solution to any problem this might create. The Commission is aware in this context of the need for effective monitoring of United States exports to member States. Arrangements for trade between East and West Germany are governed by a protocol to the Treaty of Rome.