asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what basis France can refuse to import sheepmeat from Wales if the price falls below a threshold level; what is EEC policy on the matter; and what representations he has made to the French Government and the EEC Commission on this matter.

The sheepmeat sector of the Community is not yet subject to any common regime, and national arrangements continue for the present to apply generally in this sector. These include the present French system of levies and periodic market closure linked to a threshold price. The extension of Community arrangements to this sector is envisaged under the EEC Treaty. There has been consideration within the Community of Commission proposals for improving arrangements for intra-Community trade in which the United Kingdom and French Governments have fully participated, but no conclusions have yet been reached.