§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) whether he will state when he expects to conclude his discussions with the interested parties in connection with effects on British industry of the adoption of Regulation 2810/71/EEC of 23rd December, 1971; and whether he will arrange to make a statement to the House of Commons on the conclusion of these discussions;
(2) when he expects to conclude his discussions with interested parties regarding the adoption of Regulation 2725/71/EEC of 20th December, 1971, amending Regulation (EEC) No. 888/68; and whether he will arrange to make a statement to the House of Commons on the conclusion of these discussions.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartConsultations with the interests concerned will be continuing over the coming months as the detailed arrangements are developed. When they have been settled adequate publicity will have to be given to them in the form of guidance to the trade interests concerned on how they will operate.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to discuss with the interests concerned the agreements annexed to the Treaty of Accession to the European Communities under which the period for which the application of Class III standards for certain fruit and vegetables may operate be extended to 31st December. 1977.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartAs the agreement simply extends a permissive power my right hon. Friend has no plans for immediate discussions. If any problems 105W arise in the future over the application of Class III standards he will consider whether and with whom discussions would be useful.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what discussions he had with the interested parties on Regulation 2417/71/EEC of 10th November, 1971, amending Regulation (EEC) No. 1208/71 with particular regard to the standard amounts fixed by that regulation concerning sugar; what machinery exists under which those parties can propose alterations or amendments; and whether the House of Commons will be able to alter or amend it;
(2) what discussions he had with the interested parties on Regulation 2719/71/EEC of 21st December, 1971, amending Regulation (EEC) No. 142/69 on the adjustment of the maximum quota for the system known as mixed price for sugar; what machinery exists under which those parties can propose alterations or amendments; and whether the House of Commons will be able to alter or amend it;
(3) what discussions he had with the interested parties on Regulation 2723/71/EEC of 20th December, 1971, on the system of production refunds for white sugar used in the manufacture of the products set out in Annex 1 to Regulation (EEC) No. 765/68; what machinery exists under which those parties can propose alterations or amendments; and whether the House of Commons will be able to alter or amend it.
§ Mr. PriorMy officials are in frequent touch with interested parties about the effect of the Community's sugar Regulations as a whole, and the traders affected were consulted about Regulations 1280/71, 142/69 and 765/68, which have now been amended by Regulations 2417/71, 2719/71 and 2723/71 respectively. No specific consultations were, however, necessary on the three latter Regulations, because the increase in the storage rental and packing premiums effected by 2417/71 can only benefit the interests concerned; 2719/71 merely rectifies an anomaly by extending to the "mixed price" system of payment for sugar beet the same flexibility as already existed under the standard system; and 2723/71 extends for a further period a system on106W which no adverse comments had been received.
It is always open to interested parties to make representations about changes in Community law either to their own Government or as members of the appropriate European organisations. Community law once enacted can be amended only by Community institutions.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) whether he is aware that Part 41, Wine Regulation 176/72/EEC of 26th January, 1972, was published in English translation and made available to Members of Parliament on 27th May, 1972; and whether he will explain how and in what way this will affect those engaged in this industry and the British consumer;
(2) whether he is aware that Part 41, Wine Regulation 2722/71/EEC of 20th December, 1971, was published in English translation and made available to Members of Parliament on 27th May, 1972; and whether he will explain how and in what way this will affect those engaged in this industry and the British consumer.
§ Mr. PriorYes. These regulations modify the conditions for paying storage aid for excess wine production. For the reason indicated in my replies to the hon. Member on this subject on 25th May and 6th June, British interests are not likely to be affected,—[Vol. 837, c.465; Vol. 838. c. 66.]