International Wheat Agreement

HC Deb 04 July 1973 vol 859 cc144-5W

Mr. Deakins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the EEC decision to sign the International Wheat Agreement 1971 means that the United Kingdom will have obligation under that agreement only by virtue of EEC membership.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

The International Wheat Agreement 1971 consists of two conventions. The United Kingdom was already a party to the Wheat Trade Convention before accession to the EEC. We ratified the Food Aid Convention last May, so that we could take part along with our Community partners in the EEC obligation under this Convention. The EEC's decision to ratify the International Wheat Agreement is a formality covering the corporate ratification of an agreement which is ratified separately by the individual member States.