asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they are satisfied with the operation of the EEC Sheep Meat Regime, and whether they will make a statement.

The régime brings major benefits to both consumers and producers in the United Kingdom. Some problems arose initially over the requirement for clawback of variable premium on exports, but our export trade picked up last month and this was helped by the suspension of clawback on exports to third countries until 31st March, 1981. There is still a need to keep the matter under close review and we shall be pressing for measures to protect our export interests during the Commission's forthcoming review of sheep export policy.