HC Deb 24 July 1997 vol 298 cc706-7W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make representations to other EU countries to end the payment of export refunds on the export of live cattle from the EU to the middle east and north Africa; and if he will make a statement. [10296]

Mr. Rooker

The Government have no plans to seek an end to the payment of export refunds on live cattle. However, we welcome the fact that the ratio between refunds for live bovines and those for carcase meat has been moving towards favouring meat exports.

In the longer term, GATT Uruguay round commitments setting progressively decreasing limits on the volume and value of export subsidies are likely to bring further pressure to bear on refund levels. We also wholeheartedly support the current Commission proposal to link the payment of export refunds to the observance of animal welfare conditions.

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