§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will oppose the European Economic Community proposal to adjust by qualified majority the quantity of New Zealand butter for import by the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe Commission's proposed regulation on the import of New Zealand butter in 1984 and beyond includes provision for temporary reductions to the quantities laid down by the Council for imports of New Zealand butter. Such reductions could only be made in circumstances where they were needed to prevent serious disturbances on the United Kingdom butter market, in particular should there be a substantial drop in the direct consumption of butter. Were such circumstances to arise and the Commission to make a proposal, it would be decided on by qualified majority. Imports of New Zealand butter will be taking place in January and February 1984 under a short-term regulation including this provision which was agreed at the Council meeting last week. We shall keep in close contact with New Zealand about the acceptability of the provision when the Council considers the definitive arrangements to apply thereafter.