HC Deb 12 July 1979 vol 970 cc655-6
17. Mr. Ioan Evans

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further action is proposed to reduce the cost of the EEC common agricultural policy to the consumer in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Peter Walker

I will continue to work for measures such as those agreed in the recent price negotiations which represent the best ever outcome for United Kingdom consumers.

Mr. Evans

As 70 nor cent. of the expenditure of the EEC is on the common agricultural policy at the expense of British consumers and taxpayers, what effort will be made to reduce that amount, especially when the Government are considering cutting back on school milk and school meals but increasing public expenditure to subsidise Bavarian and French farmers?

Mr. Walker

I agree that it is urgently necessary to try to tackle the vast CAP budget. During the period of office of the previous Government it increased from £1.6 billion to £6.6 billion. That is what we inherited. The price freeze on milk is the first major step to try to reverse that trend.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

Will my right hon. Friend indicate what proposals the president of the National Farmers Union has brought to his attention and that of the Government to bring about more efficient agriculture in the EEC, which will be of benefit to not only the consumer but the farmer and will guarantee a secure supply of food in the long term, which I am sure is my right hon. Friend's objective?

Mr. Walker

There is a large range of measures, and we are constantly in touch with the agriculture industry, including the National Farmers Union. We intend to try to be constructive. Our farmers are relieved that at last they have the scope to be more productive and that they are not at an unfair disadvantage compared with their competitors.

Mr. Heffer

The right hon. Gentleman talks about the radical proposals that he and the Government intend to endeavour to obtain from the Common Market countries. What will he do if he is not successful?

Mr. Walker

Unlike the hon. Gentleman, I do not enter into negotiations with the idea of not being successful.

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