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Mr Clark also raised the payment of UK pensions in Canada. He had promised a member of Parliament that he would do. He fully understood our financial constraints but was concerned both that Britain was failing to make the enhanced payments and that there were different rules operating in the US and in Canada. He would welcome any measures which the UK could take and would be prepared to look at partial un-freezing. Sir Geoffrey Howe drew attention to cash problems and referred to a previous suggestion for further study of the matter at official level; although this might be useful he would not wish to raise expectations unrealistically.
8. At the Secretary of State's request Sir D Day drew attention to the problem of British Overseas Citizens who could not get Canadian visas, and the fact that a statement by Lord Trefgarne to the House of Lords had had to be retracted. Mr Clark took note.
9. Mr Clark drew attention to Canada's problem over Irish beef. The Government had legislation which they would prefer not to use, but faced an influential and vocal lobby. He hoped the Secretary of State would use his good offices to sensitise the Irish to Canada's problems with a view to resolving the issue by the New Year. Sir Geoffrey Howe indicated that he was aware of the issue and would endeavour to keep it on the EC agenda.
10. Sir Geoffrey Howe noted that Canada also had a problem over newsprint. Mr Gherson said that a meeting had taken place the previous week which had reached agreement on a figure lower than expected (650,000 tonnes) but with provision for overshoot of another 30,000 tonnes. Canada would be grateful for UK help in finalising agreement on these lines. Sir Geoffrey Howe said the UK would continue to do what we could to help.
11. Sir Geoffrey Howe expressed the hope that the Government would be able to bring about a favourable CTC decision on Okanagan helicopters. Mr Clark said the matter was under consideration by a special committee of Cabinet to which he would convey Sir Geoffrey's concern. He noted that there were domestic and regional factors at play. Mr Jamieson noted that the problem was not with FIRA and the Canadian Government but with a private party; it remained in question whether there was provision for further intervention or whether it now was a matter for Cabinet decision; Cabinet might only be able to overturn the decision on a matter of law and not on a
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