§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the Commission sought the agreement of the Council of Ministers to its decision not to publish the rates of subsidy for exports of dairy produce; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gummer[pursuant to his reply, 27 March 1986, c. 596]: The Commission's decision not to publish export refunds for butter, butter oil and skimmed milk powder for certain destinations and for limited periods reflects its concern that advance knowledge of the rates gives a commercial advantage to the Community's competitors by enabling them to adjust their own offer prices accordingly. The Commission considers that it already has the authority to act in this way, so no proposal was put to the Council.