§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, pursuant to his answer to the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe of 11 July, he will give details to the House of the Government's views on New Zealand butter exports to the United Kingdom before communicating them to the European Commission; what steps he has taken to discover the response of the New Zealand Government to the views he will be putting forward; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe Government's general approach on future access for New Zealand butter was set by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in the House on 19 May.
I maintain regular contact with Ministers and officials of the New Zealand Government and dairy board. Since the beginning of this year, for example, I have discussed this issue with the New Zealand Prime Minister, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Overseas Trade and the chairman of the New Zealand dairy board, as well as with officials of the New Zealand high commission. I also expect to see the New Zealand Minister for Overseas Trade again on 18 July.