§ Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his assessment of the effect on the United Kingdom home market of fish imports in the event of the United Kingdom joining the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartVarious detailed provisions of the Community's common fisheries policy have yet to be settled, and much would of course turn on the transitional arrangements and other terms of entry for the United Kingdom and other applicants. But because so much of the fish we import at present comes with little or no restriction from present members or applicants for membership of the Community, I should expect any effect on our market to turn mainly on the relative attractions of other markets inside and outside an enlarged Community.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he intends that the flexible guarantee arrangements for pigs shall continue in operation during the transition period before the United Kingdom becomes a full member of the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartI would refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend gave to him on 30th November.—[Vol. 807, c.294–5.]
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the possibilities that will be open to the United Kingdom relating to the liquid milk market in an enlarged Community.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe European Economic Community does not yet have a regulation for liquid milk. I anticipate, however, that, if the United Kingdom were a member of the European Economic Community, the differential between the price of milk for liquid consumption and the price of milk for manufacture would be sufficient to ensure that an adequate supply of milk for liquid 335W consumption would be available throughout the country and throughout the year.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent the present proposals in the European Economic Community on the control of the ingredients and composition, including strength, of draught beer will apply to Great Britain if she enters the Common Market; and whether he will discuss this subject with representatives of the brewing industry.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartWe are already discussing these proposals with the brewing industry.