asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food (a) the total amount and value of meat and dairy products currently in intervention in each of the EC countries including Ireland and (b) the percentage increase, or reduction in such stocks each year since 1980; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Meat and Dairy Products in Intervention.
58.
Following is the information requested: (a) Total amount and value of meat and dairy products in intervention in each EC country.
|
Beef |
Butter |
Skimmed Milk Powder |
||||
|
Country |
Quantity (Tonnes) |
Value (IR£m) |
Quantity (Tonnes) |
Value (IR£m) |
Quantity (Tonnes) |
Value (IR£m) |
|
Belgium |
8,195 |
15.9 |
2,536 |
6.4 |
— |
— |
|
Denmark |
32,858 |
63.8 |
100 |
0.3 |
— |
— |
|
Germany |
203,323 |
394.9 |
108,719 |
268.7 |
28,050 |
44.8 |
|
Greece |
— |
— |
— |
— |
3,000 |
4.3 |
|
Spain |
9,713 |
18.9 |
25,359 |
65.8 |
8,997 |
15.1 |
|
France |
220,626 |
428.5 |
35,074 |
85.7 |
— |
— |
|
Ireland |
118,500 |
249.8 |
77,500 |
170.6 |
— |
— |
|
Italy |
71,653 |
139.2 |
3,025 |
7.3 |
— |
— |
|
Luxembourg |
— |
— |
181 |
0.5 |
— |
— |
|
Netherlands |
38,073 |
73.9 |
66,835 |
176.6 |
— |
— |
|
UK |
56,382 |
109.5 |
85,771 |
197.2 |
45 |
0.07 |
|
Portugal |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
(b) Following are the percentage changes in total intervention stocks in the Community since 1980:
(1980 taken as base of 100)
|
1980 |
1981 |
1982 |
1983 |
1984 |
1985 |
1986 |
1987 |
1988 |
|
|
Meat |
100 |
60 |
67 |
123 |
199 |
213 |
168 |
226 |
250 |
|
Butter |
100 |
11.1 |
278.4 |
1,114.7 |
1,343.4 |
1,610.7 |
2,042.1 |
1,417.2 |
641.2 |
|
Skimmed Milk Powder |
100 |
121.4 |
250.9 |
427.9 |
268.8 |
226.2 |
335.9 |
205.9 |
17.4 |
The intervention arrangements for both beef and dairy products were substantially modified in April 1987 arising from decisions taken by the Council of Ministers in December 1986. These revised arrangements, the accelerated disposal measures and reduced output have contributed to substantially reduced intervention stocks of butter and the virtual elimination of intervention stocks of skimmed milk powder in the Community.
The revised intervention arrangements for beef have not proved as successful in regard to stocks level partly due to pressure in the market because of slaughterings of cows and heifers resulting from the milk quota restrictions and the marked slow-down in intervention sales in 1987 and 1988. The higher stock level led to the Commission proposing modifications to the beef intervention regime in its proposal for prices and related measures for 1988-89. My reply of 29 June outlined the outcome of the negotiations on this issue. In addition, the Commission has signalled its intention to propose further modifications to the beef regime when the present arrangements expire at the end of 1988.
As Minister for Agriculture and Food I have encouraged a more market oriented approach and I am pleased to note that our reliance on intervention outlets is declining. Nevertheless, the availability of market intervention plays an important role in underpinning market prices and in maintaining confidence. It will, therefore, be my objective to ensure that this outlet will continue to be available in such a way as not to undermine confidence.