HC Deb 13 November 1980 vol 992 cc405-6W
Mr. Foulkes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ask the EEC Council of Ministers to reconsider immediately the issue of non-graded lamb.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Variable premiums under the sheepmeat regime are payable only on animals and carcases which meet certain quality standards. Subject to this, member States operating variable premiums may decide the general categories of animal which are eligible. The minimum quality standards (which reflect United Kingdom require- ments) are laid down in a Commission regulation and not by the Council. I am not aware of any reason to reconsider these standards.