§ 12. Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received concerning the effect of the green pound gap on Welsh farming; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI have received a total of eight written representations; seven from hon. Friends and hon. Members representing Welsh constituencies, and one from the Wales branch of the National Farmers Union.
§ Mr. BennettIs my right hon. Friend aware of the considerable concern among farmers in Wales about their growing competitive disadvantage compared with farmers in other parts of the European Community as a result of the increasing gap in the green pound? Will he make strong representations to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, saying that this is a matter which requires deep cuts in the forthcoming price round in the EC negotiations?
§ Mr. WalkerYes, Sir. I am well aware from experience —my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is also aware of it—that, in a price-fixing exercise, the movement of monetary compensatory amounts is of considerable importance. There is a commitment to remove all monetary gaps and, therefore, MCAs by the end of 1992. When that happens, it will be of great benefit to Welsh agriculture.