HC Deb 23 January 1975 vol 884 cc422-3W
27. Mr. Hastings

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has yet formed a view of the EEC policy for digressive aid for glasshouse growers over six years.

Mr. Strang

A digressive aid over six years has not been accepted as EEC policy. My right hon. Friend considers that a long-term subsidy would militate against economies in the use of energy.

32. Mr. Brocklebank-Fowler

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the recent price increases for light fuel oils, and the support of the EEC Agricultural Commissioner for such a policy, he will now announce an extension of the fuel oil subsidy for glasshouse producers until June 1975.

33. Mr. Michael Marshall

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to make an announcement concerning the extension of the oil subsidy for the glasshouse industry.

Mr. Strang

Whether or not we should reintroduce this subsidy is still being considered.

Mr. Pym

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in considering the timing of his statement on the British horticultural industry with special reference to oil subsidy, he will take note of paragraph 12 of the explanatory memorandum in the EEC Commission's proposals on the fixing of farm prices, which states that the Commission intends to propose to the Council before 1st April 1975 measures designed to resolve the difficulties in heated glasshouses.

Mr. Peart

Any decision on the oil subsidy which is announced will take account of all relevant considerations.