§ 23. Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his discussions with EEC Ministers in mid-December on beef prices and related matters.
§ Mr. BishopThe EEC Agricultural Ministers met in mid-December and again earlier this week to discuss the Commission's price proposals for 1976–77, including those for the beef sector. My right hon. Friend stated firmly to our EEC colleagues on both occasions that we cannot accept the Commission's proposal to phase our beef premiums. He has also expressed the view that the in-582W crease in beef support prices which the Commission has proposed is too large. The Council has not yet reached decisions on either of these issues. They will be discussed again when the Council next meets, in February.