HC Deb 04 July 1985 vol 82 cc244-5W
Dr. David Clark

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what offer has been made by the EEC to Zimbabwe in relation to beef quota.

Mr. Jopling

When in 1980 Zimbabwe acceded to the Lomé convention between the European Community and the African, Caribbean and Pacific States, she secured agreement to supply an annual quota of 8,100 tonnes of beef to the Community on the same concessionary basis as that already granted to other signatories. This provision remains part of the recently agreed Lomé III arrangements. Due to outbreaks of foot and mouth disease, however, Zimbabwe has been unable to secure the veterinary clearance necessary for exports to the Community to take place. Commission veterinarians have recently visited Zimbabwe and, subject to veterinary clearance being granted, exports may shortly be permitted to commence.