HC Deb 29 February 1972 vol 832 c225
1. Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultation he is having with the European Economic Community on the 1972 Farm Price Review.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. James Prior)

At my recent meeting with Dr. Mansholt we discussed the current Annual Review. Officials of my Department have also had contacts with the Commission.

Mr. Morris

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that reply will be received with some regret? Will he explain the locus standi of the European Economic Community in the Farm Price Review? Is he not expecting that the European Communities Bill will become law?

Mr. Prior

We have an interim arrangement with the Community by which we discuss these matters with them and they discuss them with us. We are perfectly free at this time to make our own decisions.

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