asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if an assessment of the likely effects of British renegotiation of their accession terms on Irish agriculture has been undertaken; and whether he will make this assessment available to Deputies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers (Resumed). - British EEC Renegotiations.
43.
The British Government have not yet indicated the precise changes they will be seeking in the Community's agricultural arrangements. The Deputy may, however, rest assured that all aspects of the matters are being kept under continuous study by officials of my Department.
First, may I thank the Minister for his courtesy in accepting my questions which were a bit late when they were submitted to him? May I ask him if, in the light of the fact that many other countries of the Community have had special measures adopted on their behalf, to relieve situations which beset the Italians, the French, the Germans and the Dutch in different areas, we ought make a very special effort to the extent of using our veto power in the Council to relieve the very acute situation now existing both in the beef and pigmeat sectors of our economy?
I might just say to the Deputy that any of the special measures taken by the countries mentioned are measures they were entitled to take within the rules, so to speak.
Surely not? Surely the most recent action of the Italian Government, of a purely arbitrary imposition of a 50 per cent import levy on all raw materials, was taken, first, by them on a unilateral basis and, thereafter, ratified by the Community because they had no other choice apparently? That being the case, has it not been demonstrated that pressure of that kind can be exerted on the Community?
No. The Italians acted perfectly within the rules of the Treaty of Accession. In cases of exceptional balance of payments difficulties they are entitled to do that, to act first and then have it examined by the Commission. That is exactly what they have done.
Precisely.
But it is purely on foot of balance of payments difficulties.
In view of these exceptional distortions of trade from which we are suffering at present, is it not possible for us also to take remedial—I do not say similar— action?
There is no action that we see we can take within the rules.
Then I shall have a further question.
The Minister mentioned that he did not know what terms the English were seeking. It is generally recognised in Europe at the moment that they are trying to get imports of beef from Bechuanaland into Europe which would be another third country coming into Europe. Has he any information on that?
All third countries are in the same position in relation to exports to the EEC.
Is the Minister not aware that England is trying, under its new accession terms, to get the import of beef coming in from Bechuanaland?
Surely the Minister's socialist colleagues would not look with favour on a country within the ambit of the South African Republic exporting to the EEC? Just as they would boycott Outspan oranges, I take it that they would boycott cattle from that area.
I would like to see all imports suspended, if I could, under present market conditions.