HC Deb 21 April 1975 vol 890 cc228-9W
Mrs. Millie Miller

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated cost to the EEC of ending the Franco-Italian "wine war"; what is the estimated cost to the United Kingdom of its share in the necessary subsidy; and to what use the surplus wine is to be put.

Mr. Marten

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated contribution which will fall upon Great Britain as the result of the Franco-Italian settlement of the wine dispute.

Mr. Strang

The Council of Ministers approved in Luxembourg on 15th April a Community programme to subsidise the distillation of about 110 million gallons of surplus wine into alcohol. Community expenditure from the European Agricultural Guarantee and Guidance Fund is estimated at £20.8 million. The United Kingdom contribution is made to the Community budget as a whole and represents 13.57 per cent. in 1975.