§ Sir Peter Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Council of Agriculture Ministers' meeting in Luxembourg on 18–19 October; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerOn 18–19 October, there was a meeting of the Agriculture Council at which the United 139W Kingdom was represented by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary and myself.
The Council discussed the Commission's proposals for the import quota for New Zealand butter in 1983. A number of member States argued that the Commission's proposal for 89,000 tonnes should be substantially reduced. The Presidency suggested a quota of 87,000 tonnes coupled with an adjustment of the import levy so as to retain New Zealand's market return. We consulted the New Zealand Government who asked us to endeavour to obtain agreement upon this basis. This was subsequently agreed in principle and formal adoption of the revised quota and levy should take place next week following the submission of a fresh text by the Commission. The New Zealand Government has expressed publicly its gratitude to the British Government for its support in these negotiations. The Council also agreed devaluations of 2.8 per cent. for the French Green Franc and 4.4 per cent. for the Belgian and Luxembourg Green Francs. These will take effect on different dates for the various commodities, commencing at the start of their marketing years as they arise.