HC Deb 15 February 1967 vol 741 cc594-6
8. Mr. Kitson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what special consideration is being given within his Department to help marginal and hill farmers; and which of the production grants at present being paid to hill farmers will continue in the event of Great Britain joining the Common Market.

Mr. Peart

Our long-term proposals for helping farmers in these areas are contained in the Agriculture Bill; for example, hill land improvement grants, live stock subsidies and rural development boards.

The answer to the second part of the Question would depend on the arrangements agreed for an enlarged Community. The E.E.C. has not yet decided on the criteria for judging which state aids to agriculture should or should not be regarded as compatible with the Common Market.

Mr. Kitson

Could the Minister say which of the production grants he thinks we should keep? I think he will agree that the problem is very considerable for the hill areas, and needs considerable special thought before the negotiations go much further.

Mr. Peart

Yes, Sir, I agree. I am certain that the hon. Member has carefully looked at Articles 92 to 94 of the Treaty of Rome, but as yet no criteria have been laid down by the Community. If we did decide, I accept that this would be a serious matter.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

Does my right hon. Friend not agree that there is no certainty that any of the production grants will be continued after entry into the European Economic Community, and that the uncertainty on that score should be dispelled as soon as possible by spelling out the minimum agricultural conditions for Britain's entry into the Common Market?

Mr. Peart

The hon. Member is right to stress that we do not know, and that no final decision has been taken, about the regulations that affect the specific matter of aid for the areas mentioned. I would remind my hon. Friend that we are not negotiating now; we are merely probing.

Mr. Peter Mills

Will the Minister bear in mind that there are very real fears among the hill farmers on the matter, and clearly state that nothing in the Treaty of Rome would stop the sort of grant mentioned as long as there is agreement within the Community?

Mr. Peart

The hon. Member joined in what I thought was a common view in the House, that the hill farmers are concerned about the matter, and naturally it is one of the questions we must consider. That is why I have always said that the probe is the right approach.