asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will ensure that import levies will be applied to beef imported from third countries if the market price of beef falls between 93 per cent and 98 per cent of the guide price.
81.
Written Answers. - Meat Imports.
80.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will ensure that when the price of beef falls below 93 per cent of the guide price imports will be suspended immediately.
82.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will ensure that only specific types of beef or live cattle which are in short supply in the EEC will be allowed to be imported under licence.
83.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will ensure that there are no imports of live cattle and beef from third countries until farmers receive 100 per cent of the guide price for their cattle.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 to 83, inclusive, together.
Under the beef regulation the operation of the safeguard clause, under which cattle and beef imports into the Community may be suspended, is a function of the Commission. While imports with some minor exceptions, have been suspended since July, 1974, the Commission has recently indicated that it proposes to lift the import ban with full effect from 1st April next. It is envisaged that at the same time new trading arrangements with third countries should be introduced. Under these arrangements, which are still being considered by the Council of Ministers, Community producers would be given greater protection. The levy on imports would be increased progressively according as the Community market price fell below 98 per cent of the guide price and, in addition, the former special import regimes for young cattle and for manufacturing beef would be made more restrictive.
I have already advocated in the Council of Ministers that all imports of cattle and beef should be subject to licensing control and I will continue to do everything possible to ensure that the new import arrangements will be adequate to safeguard the interests of Community beef producers.