HC Deb 27 November 1974 vol 882 cc167-8W
Mr. Ernest G. Perry

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is the acreage of glasshouses growing tomatoes in the United Kingdom that will have to be destroyed to comply with a resolution passed by the EEC Agricultural Commissioner;

(2) what is the acreage of glasshouses growing cucumbers in the United Kingdom that will have to be destroyed to comply with a resoluton passed by the EEC Agricultural Commissioner;

(3) what is the estimated percentage of British glasshouses to be destroyed in order to comply with the resolution of the EEC Agricultural Commissioner;

(4) what is the estimated cost of the subsidy in order to enable the owners of glasshouses producing cucumbers to comply with the resolution recently passed by the EEC Agricultural Commissioner;

(5) what is the estimated cost of the subsidy in order to enable the owners of glasshouses producing tomatoes to comply with a resolution recently passed by the EEC Agricultural Commissioner.

Mr. Strang

Neither the member of the EEC Commission responsible for agriculture nor the Commission collectively could pass a resolution having the effects suggested. I understand that various courses of action relating to the glasshouse sector are being considered within the Commission, but no proposals have yet been put to member States.

Mr. Stainton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will oppose the EEC Commission's proposals to encourage dismantling of glasshouses, cessation of all glasshouse construction grants and cuts in tomato and cucumber glass areas by 20-30 per cent., and endorse oil alleviation payments on a phased basis as submitted by the NFU and COPA.

Mr. Strang

I understand that various courses of action relating to the glasshouse sector are being considered within the Commission but no proposals have yet been put to member States. In present circumstances we do not propose to continue the fuel oil subsidy beyond 31st December 1974.

Mr. Blaker

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a further statement about the present condition of the glasshouse sector of the horticulture industry.

Mr. Strang

I have nothing at present to add to the replies I gave on 7th November to the hon. Member for Eastleigh (Mr. Price) and on 12th November to the hon. Member for Westmorland (Mr. Jopling).—[Vol. 880, c. 190; Vol. 881, c. 92.]