§ 14. Mr. Cockeramasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from interested organisations on European Economic Community proposals to set up a Community-wide outgoers' scheme.
§ Mr. GummerI have received representations on the proposed Community outgoers' scheme from hon. Members, interested organisations, and individual farmers. These have reflected a number of concerns, including the position of tenant farmers and landlords. The proposals are still being discussed at official level and are unlikely to come to the Council of Ministers before January.
§ Mr. CockeramIs my right hon. Friend aware that agriculture accepts the need for an outgoers' scheme for the milk industry, but nevertheless there is a legitimate complaint from the landlord and the tenant, each of whom has invested his resources in developing the industry to its present state?
§ Mr. GummerAn outgoers' scheme should recognise that in most cases both the landlord and the tenant have contributed to the ability of the land to produce milk. Therefore, it would be wrong to ignore either side in the outgoers' scheme, and we shall ensure that that does not happen.
§ Mr. JohnDoes the right hon. Gentleman recognise that if there is a voluntary outgoers' scheme on all agricultural products, that may lead to the withdrawal of the most efficient farmers in some counties and the perpetuation of high-cost inefficient farmers in others?
§ Mr. GummerThe hon. Gentleman is right, and we are concerned about this factor. To achieve our purpose we shall look carefully at the scheme and seek to ensure that it is fair as between countries and farmers and as between tenants and landlords.