asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food wheather he will make a statement on the future of the special export certification arrangements for ewe meat.

In negotiations I have strongly opposed any idea that clawback might be chargeable on presentations of sheepmeat on which premium has not been paid. As part of the price-fixing agreement in May, the Commission undertook to make every effort to secure agreement between the member states concerned on the arrangements to apply beyond October. We have repeatedly urged the Commission to initiate the necessary discussions. I regret to say that the Commission has so far failed to follow up the commitment it gave. This is clearly unsatisfactory. I have written personally to Mr. Andriessen to express my concern and to underline the importance of avoiding any further delay.