§ 22. Mr. Banksasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the forecasts are by his Department of the percentage increase or decrease in the production of food in the horticulture industry.
§ Mr. StrangForecasts of output published in the White Paper "Annual Review of Agriculture 1976" show that the value of food produced by the horticulture industry is expected to be 9 per cent. higher in 1975–76 than in the previous crop year.
§ 37. Mr. Hicksasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, at the last meeting of the European Council of Agricultural Ministers, he raised the subject of the future of the United Kingdom horticultural industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ 43. Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration was given to horticulture in the recent Annual Price Review.
§ Mr. StrangThe main factors affecting horticulture were considered during the United Kingdom Annual Review; and in the recent common agricultural policy price negotiations Community withdrawal prices for 1976–77 were increased by 4 per cent. for apples and pears and by 8 per cent. for other fruits and vegetables covered by withdrawal arrangements. In addition a Community grubbing-up scheme is to be introduced for certain varieties of apples and pears.
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§ 45. Mr. Costainasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has discussed equalisation of energy costs in the horticultural industry with the United Kingdom's EEC partners.
§ Mr. StrangNo. There are guidelines on fuel aids which were set by the EEC Commission after discussions between member States.