§ Mr. Martenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what would be the range of the net cost to the United Kingdom balance of payments at the end of any transitional arrangements of applying the European Economic Community agricultural arrangements as they stand today and as they are forecasted to stand in 1969–70.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesAlthough there have been a number of developments since the estimate of £.175-£250 million was published in Cmnd. 3274, I do not consider that it would be appropriate to attempt to give another estimate at the present juncture. The arrangements for financing the Community's Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund are due to be re-negotiated before the beginning of 1970 and a great deal of uncertainty must surround the outcome. This would be an important element in any estimate going beyond 1969.