§ 18. Mr. Moateasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to announce details of the compensation scheme for horticultural growers affected by British membership of the EEC; what estimates he has made of the total cost of the scheme; and from what source the payments will he made.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mrs. Peggy Fenner)Proposals for special payments to apple and pear growers, which have been drawn up in close consultation with the Farmers' Unions are now being discussed with the EEC Commission, and my right hon. Friend will make an announcement very shortly. The cost will depend on growers' own assessments of their prospects but is estimated to be in the range of £4 million-£5 million. It will be met from the Exchequer.
§ Mr. MoateMay I say how much many people appreciate the great deal of work which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture has done over the years to secure compensation terms? However, it is most unsatisfactory to learn that, in addition to the British taxpayer having to pay the massive cost of supporting the CAP, he has to meet directly the cost of compensating horticulturists who are to lose their livelihoods as a result of British entry to the EEC. May I also express the hope—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The hon. Member has gone far enough along the road of expression of opinion. He must not make a statement; he must ask a question.
§ Mr. MoateMy further question, Mr. Speaker, is this: Is there not a degree of urgency, as the present special scheme for grubbing-up grants expires on 31st March?
§ Mrs. FennerThere has been no unnecessary delay, and applications will be invited in good time for the next grubbing season, which starts in November. The United Kingdom applications close on 31st March, but the rotational grubbing grant under the horticulture improvement scheme will still continue.