§ Mr. Spenceasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent the clawback provisions of the sheep regime act as a disincentive to United 226W Kingdom exporters of sheepmeat; what is the trend in exports since the introduction of the regime; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe clawback provisions are designed to offset the effects of premium paid on exports from this country which might otherwise undermine the Continental market and lead to intervention in France. However, the clawback arrangements are having an undue effect on our exports at a time when Continental prices are a long way above the intervention level.
After a sharp drop in our exports following the introduction of the regime on 20 October, they rose to more normal levels before Christmas, mainly because of an increase in trade to France; they have declined since the new year.
In December it was agreed to exempt from clawback exports to third countries until 31 March. The Commission has promised a review of sheep export policy before that date and we are pressing it for more satisfactory clawback arrangements.