HC Deb 13 July 1988 vol 137 cc241-2W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the Commission of the European Economic Community is meeting to discuss New Zealand butter access; and if he has advised the Commission of the views of Her Majesty's Government on the issue.

Mr. Donald Thompson

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Morris) on 11 July. The EC Council of Ministers, acting unanimously on a proposal from the Commission, is due to take a decision on future access for New Zealand butter before 1 August 1988.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has received any request from representatives of the New Zealand Government to inform the European Economic Community of the views of Her Majesty's Government on New Zealand butter access; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Donald Thompson

Yes; and I will ensure that those views are communicated to the European Commission at the appropriate time.