asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he had negotiations with the French Minister for Agriculture with a view to securing an unrestricted entry into the French market for Irish lamb; and, if so, with what result.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Lamb Exports.
23.
As a result of discussions which I have had with the French Minister for Agriculture in this matter he is examining the position and I am awaiting his reply.
This official reply was prepared last week but the question was not reached at that time. I have since met the French Minister, M. Chirac. He does not like the proposals I put to him, namely, to go back to the position that existed last January where the variable levy was at 150 frs. per 100 kilos, to stabilise it at that level and keep the French market open to our lamb market, with an undertaking from us that we would respect the minimum price. In addition, we would undertake not to deliver more than 200 tons of lamb per week on the French market.
His fears of that move were that we would be setting up a reference price system and this might not be desirable in view of the fact that we are still continuing to pursue the longer-term question of a regulated Common Market for sheep and lambs. He has undertaken to send over three officials in the first week of July to work out an arrangement whereby the same thing could be achieved in a different way.
I would urge the Minister to approach the question of a quantitative restriction with the greatest caution. I appreciate the difficuly of the situation.
I had this in mind but in the course of the discussion it became obvious that we would have to accept some kind of quantitative restriction during the interim period. We can only look for what we think is a comfortable margin for development in this area.
Can the Minister make some announcement to encourage sheep producers? The lamb market was very bad a fortnight ago, although it is improving now. People will not stay in this industry unless there is some indication that there will be an EEC policy on this sector of the industry, or at least an assurance that it will be profitable to keep sheep. I should like the Minister to give some encouragement to sheep producers.
I am continually encouraging the sheep producers. I do not see any reason for gloom. The lamb trade is quite good at the moment.
The French levy is the only reason for gloom.
Some newspaper correspondents do not help.