§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he has taken about the 520W unilateral decision of the European Commission Department Directorate-General 6 to change the way in which export refunds are calculated for non-annex II products processed from cereals; what assessment he has made of the effect this could have on exports of beer, whisky, cakes, biscuits and pasta; and if he will take steps urgently to safeguard such British exports.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe method of calculating export refunds for non-annex II products processed from cereals has not been altered and no such proposal has been made. The Commission has indicated that it is examining these refunds as part of its general search for economies. We have made clear our opposition to arbitrary reductions, which would conflict with the objective of encouraging added value exports.