§ Mr. Cordleasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the effect on prices for the consumer in this country of the European Economic Community's regulations on reference prices as regards table wines and fortified wines such as sherry, in the event of Great Britain joining the European Community.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartConsumer prices for wines would be affected by other provisions besides reference prices. It is too early to assess each separate effect in detail but, taken together, they are not likely to cause any great change in consumer prices.
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§ Mr. Cordleasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent Great Britain's joining the European Economic Community will involve the application of French wine laws in this country; and whether it will involve conforming to Regulations 816/70 and 817/70 and similar provisions relating to the transport and marketing of wine.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe legislation applying to the United Kingdom as a member of the E.E.C. would be Community legislation and not the national legislation of any other Member State. Community rules on the transport and marketing of wines such as my hon. Friend has in mind have not yet been introduced, and in the meantime national laws apply to national territories.