Butter decision awaited

Press, 25 February 1981, Page 3

Butter decision awaited

iNZPA Brussels , European Economic Community Agriculture Ministers began their meeting in Brussels yesterday, with the Minister of Overseas Trade (Mr. Taiboys) waiting on the sideline, still uncertain about what decision they will make on New Zealand butter. The Ministers meet for the first time since the Agriculture Commissioner (Mr Finn Gundelach) died last month. With a change in commissioner and the presidency of the Agriculture Council, now held by the Dutch Farm Minister (Mr Gerrit Braks), Mr Taiboys’s aim in going to Brussels was “to make absolutely sure that they understand the importance of this matter to New Zea-; land.” He has been assured by the new Agriculture Commissioner (Mr Poul Dalsager) and by Mr Braks, whom he saw at The Hague during the week-end, that they will press for the acceptance of the E.E.C. Commission’s proposals of a new three year agreement on butter sales. But nobody has been able to tell him what the French stand will be, except that France wants imports of New Zealand butter progressively reduced. The butter question, which should have been settled at the end of last year, now appears almost certain to be caught up in other issues, making the outcome of this week’s two-day meeting still uncertain. .* New Zealand may have to •accept - < another “roll-over” which could be'for a week, a month, or a year. f