§ Mr. Neil HamiltonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has had from the New Zealand Government concerning the future of New Zealand's butter exports to the United Kingdom; what response he has made; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe New Zealand Government have drawn my attention to the importance that they attach to continued access to the United Kingdom butter market on special terms. Most recently I was visited by the Minister of Overseas Trade and Marketing on 27 October and on 27 November my right hon. Friend the Minister will be meeting the Agriculture Minister.
It would be premature to give an indication of the Government's position, before I have seen the Commission's proposals concerning access to the United Kingdom market for New Zealand butter after 1988.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he has taken and will be taking to implement the pledge given by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when visiting Wellington last April, in regard to New Zealand's butter exports to the United Kingdom in 1988; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs said during his visit to Wellington that we would continue to do our best to argue New Zealand's corner in the Community. However, he pointed out that this was becoming more difficult at a time of mounting world surpluses when British dairy farmers were being asked to take substantial cuts in production and against the background of New Zealand's current security policy. Arrangements were agreed in 1986 for New Zealand to export 74,500 tonnes of butter to the United Kingdom in 1988. It would be premature for me to make any statement on arrangements after that date before I have seen the Commission's proposals on that subject which are not expected until the middle of next year.