HC Deb 08 December 1970 vol 808 cc65-7W
58. Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the Brewers' Society concerning the technical and financial problems for British brewers of adjusting to the proposed new brewing regulations for member States of the European Economic Community; what reply he has given; and what action he is taking.

61. Dr. Gilbert

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has had from the Brewers' Society about the effect that the proposed Common Market brewing regulations will have on the taste of English beer; and what answers he has given.

Mr. Prior

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply my hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Arthur Lewis) on 1st December. The proposals are not, in fact, regulations but a draft directive.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the appropriate arrangements for consultation with the United Kingdom National Farmers' Unions in an enlarged Community, when the current negotiations for United Kingdom entry into the European Economic Community are concluded.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 27th November.—[Vol. 807, c.225.]

Mr. Deakins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements have been agreed with the European Economic Community for keeping the situation in the British bacon market under review during the transitional period before the United Kingdom becomes a full member, and thereafter.

Mr. Prior

The Six have agreed on the need for keeping the pigmeat and bacon situation in an enlarged Community under review during the transitional period and thereafter. It is too early to decide the mechanics for so doing.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the agreement with the European Economic Community Council of Ministers relating to contacts between the Commission and agricultural organisations as part of an annual review will be given statutory force within the United Kingdom.

Mr. Prior

No.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now give full details of the agreement with the European Economic Community Council of Ministers relating to the provision of adequate supplies of liquid milk to meet consumer demand throughout the country and throughout the year.

Mr. Prior

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my hon. Friend, gave to him on 24th November.—[Vol, 807, c.77.]

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will seek from international sources a detailed list of as many stated food prices as possible as charged to the retail customer on 17th June, 1970 in each of the countries of the Six, and similar details for 1st December, 1970 with comparable details for prices in Great Britain, and an estimate as to what extent, on Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community, British food prices would have to be adjusted upwards to those in operation in the countries of the Six.

Mr. Prior

Information relating to the dates mentioned is not available but recent price quotations for a number of food items were given in my reply to the hon. Member for East Ham South (Mr. Oram), on 2nd December; as for the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the estimate given in the White Paper, Cmnd. 4289, published earlier in the year.—[Vol. 807, c.418–20.]