§ 25. Mr. Leeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will oppose Common Market policies not to purchase beef, dairy products, grain and sugar from extra-Community sources when the prices of these products are cheaper; and if he will make a statement to the House each time such situations arise.
§ Mr. John SilkinThe Government's view is that producers outside the Community should have reasonable access, within the framework of the common agricultural policy, to the market. I shall continue to work for improvements in the operation of the policy and keep the House informed of any significant proposals or developments.
§ 36. Mr. Corbettasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give an estimate of the implications of the remaining EEC transitional steps conceded in 1972 under the Treaty of Accession for the retail prices of bread, butter, cheese, eggs, beef, pork and bacon.
§ Mr. John SilkinI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing). The equivalent increase at retail of the remaining transitional steps on wheat is a sum of up to 0.8p on a standard 28 oz. loaf.
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§ 38. Mr. Clemitsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the effects on the retail prices of milk and meat of the remaining transitional steps toward full EEC prices agreed under the Treaty of Accession to the Common Market.
§ Mr. John SilkinI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing). The transitional steps will not directly affect the retail price of liquid milk. The Government will decide, in the light of whatever new maximum is agreed under Community rules, at what level to set the guaranteed price and to what extent any increase should be reflected in the retail price.