HC Deb 22 January 1990 vol 165 c612
12. Mr. Nicholas Bennett

To 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 Walker

I 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. Bennett

Is 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. Walker

Yes, 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.