§ Mr. Lathamasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on 186W his policy regarding the continuance of the European Community sheepmeat regime; and what action he is taking in that regard.
§ Mr. GummerThe Community's sheepmeat regime benefits our producers and consumers through the provision of the annual premium payments on ewes and the variable premium system. The arrangements applied in the United Kingdom avoid the build-up of surplus production by enabling consumers to benefit from lower prices while providing the premium payments to make up producers' returns as necessary. At the same time the provide for continued import of lamb, especially from New Zealand, while our own industry can take advantage of its ability to supply export markets. We shall continue to resist changes which would be detrimental to United Kingdom interests.