§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the likely effect of Common Market regulations on the supply of herbage seeds from North America and New Zealand; what is the likely impact on the price of herbage seeds; what representations he has received on this subject; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe new subsidy available under these regulations is designed to improve the return on good quality herbage seed production in the United Kingdom and other member 415W countries. It is too early to judge whether, and if so how far, it may also lead to reduced Community dependence upon supplies from third countries. As hitherto, any price fluctuations are likely to vary between different species and to reflect factors such as world demand and the yield and quality of seed harvests rather than the introduction of the subsidy.
We have discussed this new measure with both the Canadian and New Zealand authorities as well as with the United Kingdom Seeds Industry. The latter made representations that our producers should have the full benefit of the new EEC subsidy from the start, and, as my right hon. Friend announced on 21st February 1973, this was in fact achieved. —[Vol. 851, c. 473.]