HC Deb 16 December 1971 vol 828 cc190-1W
Mr. Walder

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements he proposes to make for market intervention as required under the common agricultural policy if this country joins the European Economic Community.

Mr. Prior

We propose that provision should be made to set up a Government Agency for the United Kingdom under the direct control of the agricultural Ministers to undertake general responsibility for the various intervention arrangements, including support buying and export restitution, which will be required under the common agricultural policy. We envisage that this Agency will, where appropriate, use existing statutory bodies, such as the Home Grown Cereals Authority and the Meat and Livestock Commission, to undertake operational functions as its agents. My colleagues and I will be consulting the main interests concerned so as to obtain the benefit of their knowledge and expertise. Meetings with these interests have been arranged.