§ 25. Mr. Clemitsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the effect on the common agricultural policy of the enlargement of the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. John SilkinIt is too soon to make any firm assessment, since the position will be affected by the date on which new members accede and any changes which may take place in the common agricultural policy in the interim. Enlargement will change the balance between the different products covered by EEC market regulations but will not, of itself, affect Her Majesty's Government's broad objectives towards the CAP which I have explained to the House on previous occasions.
§ 26. Mr. Shersbyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he supports the concept of a common food policy, as proposed recently by the Food and Drink Industries Council.
§ Mr. John SilkinI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given earlier today to the hon. Member for Pudsey (Mr. Shaw).
§ 31. Mr. MacFarquharasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions have taken place in the 413W European Community's Special Committee on Agriculture regarding structural reform of the common agricultural policy.
§ Mr. John SilkinThe Special Committee is constantly reviewing individual sectors of the common agricultural policy in preparation for the discussions which take place in the Council of Agriculture Ministers.
§ 52. Mr. Arnoldasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he now has for proposing a further review of the Common Agricultural Policy.
§ Mr. John SilkinI would refer the hon. Member to my statement to the House on 11th May 1977.—[Vol. 931, c. 1359–1375.] —I shall continue to pursue the objectives there set out.