§ 3. Mr. James Lamondasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that United Kingdom wine producers are not adversely affected by United Kingdom membership of the EEC.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Gavin Strang)The special position of wine producers in the United Kingdom is recognised in the Community and has been safeguarded by the recent decisions of the Council.
§ Mr. LamondHas my hon. Friend read the article in "Horticulture Industry" for February, which states that the EEC will be applying to the industry stringent regulations, including sample 606 testing by an official station for five consecutive years? Will not that threaten a small but developing industry?
§ Mr. StrangI have not read the article, but my hon. Friend will welcome my right hon. Friend's success in resisting a ban on the planting of vineyards in this country. Furthermore, he will accept that the Community rules relating to the production and marketing of wine are applicable in this country and that there is no evidence that they are detrimental to the industry.