§ 40. Mr. RogersTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with European Community agriculture Ministers about the future of the sheep variable premium scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe Council of Ministers (Agriculture) has twice considered the proposals for a review of the sheepmeat regime tabled by the European Commission. These proposals include one to phase out the variable premium. Negotiations are as yet at an early stage.