HC Deb 27 January 1989 vol 145 c807W
Sir Richard Body

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the implications for the agricultural trade negotiations of the Uruguay round of the general agreement on tariffs and trade of EEC proposals to impose more restrictions on access for New Zealand butter and sheepmeat.

Mr. Donald Thompson

The proposals would continue arrangements for specified quantities of New Zealand butter and sheepmeat to enter the Community at concessionary rates of levy, with reductions in both the quantities and the level of import charge. They take account of the Community's commitments in the Uruguay round under the Punta del Este declaration and represent a fair balance between the many interests involved. The New Zealand Government have acknowledged this. Negotiations on the round are continuing with the aim of securing greater liberalisation of trade in agriculture.