§ 23. Sir Anthony Meyerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the competitive position of the United Kingdom poultry industry.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithNo. This is why we are pressing the Commission to prepare proposals for harmonising hygiene inspection and charging arrangements throughout the Community and to investigate French action on State aid. As regards competition with third countries, the Commission has now tabled proposals for some increases in sluicegate prices. Meantime, my right hon. Friend has announced assistance of up to £2 million towards the cost of poultrymeat inspection in the current financial year.