HC Deb 25 October 1973 vol 861 c592W
Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will confirm that, whatever the outcome of the talks now held between the member States of the Common Market concerning hill farming grants and subsidies, the undertaking given by his predecessor in July 1970 to the President of the National Farmers' Union that the current level of Government grants and subsidies to hill farming would be maintained will be honoured in respect of British hill farmers.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the letter of 8th July 1971 in which my right hon. Friend told the President of the National Farmers' Union that he was satisfied that entry into the EEC would not prevent us from giving the continuing assistance needed to maintain the incomes of farmers in hill areas in accordance with current Government policy. I can confirm that this is still the position.