N.Z. Wins Assurance For Lamb In U.K.

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32346, 11 July 1970, Page 42

N.Z. Wins Assurance For Lamb In U.K.

(N.Z.P.A. Staff Correspondent)

LONDON, July 10.

New Zealand yesterday won from Britain assurances that New Zealand lamb will be regarded as a special product when Britain enters the Common Market Earlier there had been major fears in Wellington that Britain would consider that the only special products were butter and cheese.

Recognition of lamb is contained in a joint communique issued yesterday afternoon by the New Zealand Minister of Overseas Trade (Mr Marshall) and the British Minister for Europe (Mr Barber) at the end of two days of bargaining.

It marks the first expansion of Britain’s previous assurances for New Zealand trade if Britain enters the E.E.C. Previous statements have been in general terms.

Mr Marshall is understood to have informed the British Government that New Zealand has given up claims for other products now exported to Britain, such as apples, in paring its demands down to the three vital products.

The communique said that Mr Barber, in his speech to the six E.E.C. countries in Luxemburg last week, specifically referred to the New

Zealand problem as being one of the main questions which the United Kingdom would like to see covered in its negotiations with the Six. It goes on: “The special position of New Zealand rests on its extreme dependence on the British market for its exports of butter, cheese and lamb, and the vital role which these products play in preserving the economic and social well-being of New Zealand. “In the process of establishing its objectives the United Kingdom Government would ensure that this position was fully taken into account.” The communique said Mr Barber and Mr Marshall agreed that there should con-

tinue to be the closest consultation between New Zealand and Britain during the negotiations. Mr Marshall later seemed extremely pleased at the outcome of his two-day negotiations with Mr Barber. “New Zealand can now look forward to the negotiations between Britain and the E.E.C. extending over a long period during which the facts upon which New Zealand’s position depends will be examined in the greatest detail,” he said. “This will undoubtedly involve the setting up of working parties and committees of the Six and the four applicant countries.

“We will be collaborating with the British Government in ensuring that all the information necessary to support our case is available and is presented 'n the most persuasive manner."

He said it was not possible to say exactly vhen detailed debate on New Zealand’s question would take place within the Britain-E.E.C. negotiations. But it would certainly be at an early stage once the Six and the four applicants got down to serious negotiations after the July-August holiday season in Europe. Mr Marshall said he would make his second visit to Europe more towards October than September, as originally planned. He would visit the five major E.E.C. capitals, plus London, and perhaps the sixth E.E.C. capital, Luxemburg. This by no means implied that New Zealand was dissatisfied with having Britain as its spokesman during the E.E.C. entry negotiations. Britain must do the negotiating because it was an ap-

plicant and New Zealand was not, but New Zealand had established the closest collaboration with Britain, and this would continue. “We have full confidence in Britain to present our case,” Mr Marshall said. Mr Marshall said Mr Barber might visit New Zealand within the next six months. Told in Wellington of the news that New Zealqpd lamb would be treated as a special product in Britain’s negotiation for E.E.C. membership, the deputy chairman of the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board (Mr C. Hilgendorf) said he welcomed the assurance, which was in the interests of both Britain and New Zealand, the Press Association reported.