HC Deb 05 August 1976 vol 916 cc2114-5
21. Mr. Marten

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in the last month in restructuring the CAP.

25. Mr. Gow

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has for reform of the CAP.

Mr. Peart

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply given to the right hon. Member for Cambridgeshire (Mr. Pym) on 23rd July. I shall continue to seek improvements in the milk sector and for other commodities.

Mr. Marten

It is clear that the Common Market is increasingly putting up the price of food to the British people. Therefore, can the right hon. Gentleman confirm his previous estimate that if the green pound were revalued properly it would put up the price of food by 5 or 6 per cent.? If that is so, does it not make it more urgent that the common agricultural policy should be restructured in the interests of the British housewife?

Mr. Peart

I have sought and achieved improvements in certain directions. The beef premium system is to be discussed by the Council and there could well be a Community scheme based on the principles which we advocate. I also want the efficient farm to be one of the criteria when we have discussions on price, and there must be price restraint. However, the price of some commodities in Europe is below the world price. The hon. Gentleman should not be too critical.

Mr. William Hamilton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Socialist Group in the European Parliament has been working very hard to produce a new agricultural policy and that it is now about to be published? The amended version is due largely to the activities of Labour Members. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that when it is published it will be given wide publicity?

Mr. Peart

Certainly. I know that my hon. Friends who are Members of the European Parliament have been working hard. Naturally, I shall look carefully at their proposals. I congratulate them on taking the initiative in this direction.

Mr. Gow

Since we joined the Community, has the difference in value between the green pound and the £ sterling ever been greater than it is today?

Mr. Peart

I answered a previous Question on that matter. If I were to answer again, I should simply be repeating what I said earlier.

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