§ 54. Mr. Dykesasked the Lord Privy Seal if he plans to pay an official visit to the European Economic Community Commission in Brussels to discuss policy coordination matters.
§ Mr. Humphrey AtkinsI paid an official visit to the Commission in October last year. I have no immediate plans for another formal visit, although I regularly meet the President and other members of the Commission in the course of normal Community business.
§ Mr. DykesAlthough a fair and proper resolution of our budgetary problems is essential and must be obtained as soon as possible, does my right hon. Friend not agree that it is remarkable that even Labour Party spokesmen accept that if we scrap CAP aid our domestic farm prices support system would cost over £2 billion?
§ Mr. AtkinsA return to national aid for agriculture would be very expensive.
§ Mr. Richard ShepherdWill my right hon. Friend advise the House whether, as of today, we have received full reimbursement of the moneys due under last year's European budget?
§ Mr. AtkinsWe have received nearly all our money. I believe that a small amount remains to be paid, but we should receive it soon.
§ Mr. HefferWithout anticipating what the right hon. Lady the Prime Minister will say, can the Lord Privy Seal tell the House whether the Government are turning their attention formally to what is likely to happen if the French dig in their heels, if we do not reach an agreement on the budget, and if—rightly—we do not agree to the farm price increases without an agreement on the budget? What are the Government likely to do? Is he aware that so long as 303 the Government stand firm, the Opposition will support them? We do not want any backing down whatever on this question.
§ Mr. AtkinsI take note of what the hon. Gentleman says, and I am always grateful for his support. I shall not give him details of any plans that we might have in mind if there were a total breakdown in the discussions, because it is our hope and belief that there will not be such a breakdown.