§ 12. Mr. Michael Brownasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has any plans to exempt farmers who grow oats from paying the co-responsibilty levy.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonCommunity rules require co-responsibility levy to be paid on oats. We shall ensure that the case for exempting oats is fully considered in the forthcoming review.
§ Mr. BrownI thank my hon. Friend for that helpful reply. Will he tell the House whether oats are currently in surplus?
§ Mr. ThompsonSupply and demand for oats are broadly in balance. There would seem to be scope for growing more high-quality milling oats in this country.
§ Mr. Tony BanksDoes the Minister recall the advertising slogan that was used by the Scottish Co-op:
Mrs. McCrindle gets her oats at the Co-op"?Where does the Minister get his oats?
§ Mr. ThompsonI know that Scotsmen in the House had enough oats yesterday to keep us up until early this morning. I hope that they have fewer oats next week.