§ Mr. Ralph HowellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his latest estimate of the cost to the Exchequer of the common agricultural policy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanGovernment expenditure in the United Kingdom under the common agricultural policy for 1990–91 is estimated at about £1,900 million. This covers market support and structural aid schemes. In addition, the United Kingdom Exchequer supports CAP spending elsewhere in the Community through our net contribution to the EC budget, which in 1990–91 is estimated at about £2,100 million. However, this sum is not allocated to particular elements of the budget, such as agriculture.