asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will have the 1980 GATT Agreement which allowed the introduction of New Zealand cheddar cheese into the EEC reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cheddar Cheese.
5.
The 1980 GATT arrangement for the import of cheddar cheese into the EEC formed part of the comprehensive outcome of the Tokyo Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations. Any adjustment of the quantity of 9,000 tonnes provided for could only be made after renegotiations which would involve appropriate compensation to New Zealand and the other supplying countries concerned. In the case of New Zealand such compensation would almost certainly involve concessions on imports of other agricultural products from that country into the EEC.
Is the Minister aware of the serious shortfall in the export of cheddar cheese to the UK because of its price and also because of the disadvantage we are at because of this agreement? Would he take some action to have this agreement reviewed in the interests of the Irish cheese industry?
The agreement was made in 1980 and I should like to point out that the primary problem is due to a drop in demand for cheddar cheese on the British market. The imports from New Zealand are not a significant factor in the problems confronting the Irish cheddar industry at present. The problem is also due to increased production by the British.
Is the Minister not going to take any action to save our Irish cheese industry? If so, is he saying that New Zealand must be protected even though they are our biggest problem in the UK market?
As I pointed out, this agreement was made in 1980 by the Fianna Fáil administration. Any withdrawal of New Zealand cheese would have to be counteracted by replacement of a similar amount of other dairy produce and that would not be of any benefit to our agricultural industry.
6.
asked the Minister for Agriculture his plans to bring pressure to bear on the UK Ministry of Agriculture regarding the price of milk being charged by the Milk Marketing Board in the UK for the manufacture of cheddar cheese; if this is a serious distortion of the price of milk vis à vis Irish milk; and if it is giving unfair advantage to UK cheese manufacturers as the price charged for milk is the same as the price charged pre the 1982 Brussels price increase in the UK.
I have already raised this matter with the EEC Commission which has in fact commenced legal proceedings against certain pricing practices of the UK Milk Marketing Board that contribute to the situation described. I will of course continue to press the Commission to pursue the matter as quickly as possible and I am hopeful that the outcome will ensure that the Community rules governing the operations of the boards are strictly observed and that current discriminatory practices are ended.
Was this discussed at the Council of Ministers' meeting?
It has been raised repeatedly by the French and ourselves and it is being investigated at present by the Commission.
This puts our industry at a very serious disadvantage. If no action is taken, our dairy industry is doomed and I am surprised at the Minister's attitude.
Surprised in what way? As I have said, it has been raised with the Commission and they are the people on whom we depend to take action. We cannot take unilateral action on this matter.
Have you not got the power of veto?
I fully recognise that the practices being adopted by the British Milk Marketing Board are irregular and should not be allowed to continue. It is the Commission's job to intervene and stop any illegal practices.
Is the Minister hopeful, arising out of discussions with EEC officials in this regard, of success in this matter?
I am hopeful that they will take the right decision, in other words, that the action will be successful. There is a blatant breach of Community rules in this case.