§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what decision has been taken by the EC Council about the import of New Zealand butter in February and succeeding months.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerAgreement on an import quota of 87,000 tonnes for New Zealand butter in 1983 was reached at the Agriculture Council meeting in Luxembourg on 18 to 19 October. However, reserves placed by the French and Irish Governments have prevented adoption of the necessary implementing regulation. As I made clear in my statements on the Agriculture Councils of 17 to 18 January—[Vol. 35, c. 333]—and 7 to 8 February—[Vol. 36, c. 1003]—the Council has instead adopted regulations providing for the import of New Zealand butter in February and March in amounts equal to one-twelfth of the quantity provided for in the October agreement.