asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if having regard to the existence in intervention stores of upwards of one million tonnes of dried skim powder, and the continued presence in the British market of large quantities of Commonwealth cheese, he will contemplate making representations to the European Commission for a reduction of these Commonwealth supplies; and if he has any advice to offer to the Irish dairy industry in this regard.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cheese Supplies.
21.
Protocol 18 to the Accession Treaty authorises the United Kingdom to import diminishing quantities of butter and cheese—but not of skim milk powder from New Zealand each year up to and including 1977. The quantities actually imported from New Zealand to date are considerably less than the authorised quotas and I see no prospect of these agreed quotas being modified between now and the end of 1977. The question of continued access for New Zealand butter after 1977 is, of course, at present under consideration by the Council. The Irish dairy industry is fully aware of this situation.
Is it not true that at the Dublin Summit Conference held earlier this year, which was presided over by the Taoiseach, the facilities to the New Zealand Government were further extended and that the facilities for export to the United Kingdom were further extended under the Taoiseach's presidency?
That is not so.
It is so.