HC Deb 15 March 1979 vol 964 cc690-1
14. Mr. Marten

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the EEC price review.

Mr. John Silkin

My central objective in this year's CAP price negotiations is a freeze on common prices to reduce surpluses and cut the cost of the CAP to the consumer and the taxpayer.

Mr. Marten

In view of the slight feeling of some hon. Members on this side of the House that the Labour Party is trying to say that the Conservative Party is not backing up the Government when they stand up to the EEC, does the Minister find it useful that he can say to his Community co-Ministers that the Conservative Party supports him on the price freeze and that if he departs from that approach he might have great trouble and be unable to get the matter through the House of Commons?

Mr. Silkin

When I go to Brussels I always quote the hon. Gentleman in firm evidence and alliance on this matter.

Mr. Jay

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his policy has the support of the whole country, except the Opposition Front Bench?

Mr. Silkin

Even the Opposition Front Bench sometimes falls into line.

Mr. Peyton

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind the fact that his right hon. Friend the Member for Battersea, North (Mr. Jay) is as inaccurate in what he has just said as he is on many other matters?

Mr. Silkin

I do not think that my right hon. Friend is all that inaccurate. I took the precaution of reading the debates that took place in the price fixing in 1977. I recommend the right hon. Gentleman to read them again.

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