asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries what steps have been taken to secure an increase in Irish butter and cheese quotas in the United Kingdom; and the results to date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - UK Butter and Cheese Quotas.
19.
As provided for in the Exchange of Letters in connection with the Free Trade Area Agreement there were consultations with the British authorities about the butter quota arrangements for the 1968-69 quota year which commenced on 1st April. In these consultations the Irish side sought an increase in the basic quota of 26,000 tons which had been allocated to Ireland for 1967-68 but the British authorities were unable to agree to an increase. However, while butter imports into Britain from all sources have been reduced for 1968-69, Ireland's basic quota has been maintained at its 1967-68 level which was 3,000 tons above the 1966-67 figure. Also, if there are shortfalls in imports from other suppliers during the year, the British have undertaken to consider whether Ireland can be allocated an extra quantity.
There are no quotas on imports of cheese into Britain.
Was there not supposed to be a growth factor in relation to butter in the trade agreement with Britain? Has this been used for the purpose of securing a better quota from the British Government, in view of the fact that a number of countries have not been able to supply their quotas? We got only 1,000 extra while, in some countries, there was a shortfall of 6,000 and 8,000 tons. It seems to be a very poor bargain.
I presume the growth factor would have arisen and been in operation from 1966-67 and 1967-68 and this would have shown an increase on the basic quota of 3,000 tons over 23,000 tons. This additional 1,000 tons is not a basic quota and therefore it is not necessarily repetitive this year. This, of course, is against a background in which supplies from all other sources have, in fact, been reduced this year and our basic quota was not reduced, and we have been promised, if there are any shortfalls, that we will be considered for further extra quantities during the year.