§ Mr. Roderickasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many discussions have been held by the Ministers of Agriculture of the EEC on the question of a guaranteed price for beef, using the deficiency payments; and if he will give the dates of these meetings.
§ Mr. BishopMy right hon. Friend has stressed on a number of occasions the need for a revised EEC beef regime designed to give producers an assurance of reasonable returns through variable marketing premiums and production grants. The subject was discussed in the Council of Ministers' meetings on 17th–18th June, 17th–19th September and 2nd October and I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement my right hon. Friend made in the House yesterday.