§ Mr. SpellarTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action her Department is taking to ensure that the reference price for salmon to be introduced by the European Commission on 1 January 1994 is realistic.
§ Sir Hector MonroI have been asked to reply.
Scottish Office officials have submitted detailed information on market prices and production costs to contribute to the Commission's decision on a reference price for salmon. They have met Commission officials to discuss that information in detail and have made representations that the reference price should be significantly higher than the recently imposed minimum import price.