HC Deb 14 March 1980 vol 980 c721W
Mr. Dan Jones

asked the Prime Minister what are the powers of the United Kingdom to prevent the sale of cheap butter by the European Economic Commission to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; what additional steps she is proposing to take to prevent these exports; and if she is prepared to take unilateral action to prevent the sale of British butter to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics at preferential prices.

The Prime Minister

Conditions for the sale of subsidised butter to the Soviet Union are set out in Commission regulations, made under the Community law, and it would not, therfore, be open to us to take unilateral action of the sort suggested by the hon. Member. The Government have, however made it quite clear that they are totally opposed to subsidised sales of butter to the USSR and will continue to do everything possible to curtail the trade.