§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has received the communication from the hon. Member for West Ham, North, giving details of the costs to the British taxpayer of the higher costs for grain and substitute cattle feedstuffs on Great Britain's entry into the Common Market; and whether he will make a statement in connection with this matter, giving the extent to which prices will rise, and how much will be met by the European Economic Community's Agricultural Fund.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartYes. The price of feedingstuffs will gradually increase as we move towards the higher prices of the Community, which will reduce the cost190W of cereals to the British taxpayer, as growers will get more of their total return from the market. But, as the higher cost of cereal ingredients may lead to significant changes in feed rations, it would be premature to attempt to forecast what their cost will be. In so far as the market cannot absorb all the grain we produce, it is likely to be sold into intervention, the cost of which is borne by the European Community.
§ Mr. Maginnisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussion he has had with the European Economic Community Commission about the pig meat industry in Northern Ireland in relation to its competitive position vis-à-vis that of the Republic; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartDetailed discussions with the Commission are continuing about the precise arrangements which will operate for pigmeat during the transitional period. Full account is being taken of Northern Ireland's requirements during these discussions.