§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what conclusions were reached at the May EC Council of Agriculture Ministers, in relation to the CAP budget for 1993–94, 1994–95 and 1995–96; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardThe agreement on the CAP price-fixing reached at the May Council of Agriculture Ministers will add 137 mecu—£108 million1—to the costs of the CAP in 1993 and 146 mecu—£114 million2—in 1994. The increase in set-aside payments will add some 350 mecu—£274 million2—from 1995. The latest estimate of expenditure for 1993 is around 35.5 becu—£28.1 billion1 —some I becu—£0.8 billion1—below the agricultural guideline, the legally binding ceiling on agricultural expenditure. For 1994, the Commission has adopted a preliminary draft budget at the level of the guideline, 36.5 becu—£28.6 billion2. Part of the agrimonetary costs arising from ERM realignments since last September may be funded in line with the conclusions of the Edinburgh European Council. The Commission confirmed that, on this basis, expenditure will be kept within the guideline in 1994. Decisions on the level of the 1995 budget will be taken next year.
1 £1=1.2617 ecu.
2 1=1.2766 ecu.