HC Deb 08 April 1986 vol 95 cc37-8W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the Commission has authority under its regulation No. 765/86 to sell butter to zone C2(i) countries at prices lower than the minimum prescribed under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade; if any instructions have been given to the Commission by the Council of Ministers on this matter; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

[pursuant to his reply, 27 March 1986, c. 596]: A meeting on 31 May 1985 of the milk fats protocol committee of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade international dairy arrangement adopted a decision providing derogation from the minimum export price in respect of sales of butter aged at least 18 months. The decision imposed conditions concerning minimum quantities and delivery periods.

Regulation (EEC) 765/86, in particular at articles 1, 7 and 15, takes account of the obligations arising under the international dairy arrangement, including those provided for in the decision adopted on 31 May 1985.

No sales under this regulation have yet taken place.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what sales have been authorised by the Commission in terms of Commission regulation (EEC) No. 765/86 of 14 March; if he will specify the price, amount and country of destination of each sale; if he will further explain which countries are covered by the definition zone C2(i) in the regulations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

[pursuant to his reply, 27 March 1986, c. 596]: No tenders have yet been accepted under the terms of article 3 of Commission regulation (EEC) 765/86. The destinations covered by zone C2 as shown in the annex to regulation (EEC) 1098/68 are the USSR and Mongolia.

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