Common Agricultural Policy

HC Deb 17 March 1977 vol 928 cc299-300W

54. Mr. Torney

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the sale of EEC butter at heavily subsidised prices to countries outside the Community, if he will take steps to transform the present common agriculture policy.

Mr. John Silkin

It is my continuing aim to secure improvements in the operation of the common agricultural policy.

55. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in so modifying the common agricultural policy as to prevent the sale of cheap supplies of European butter to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and other countries in the East European bloc.

Mr. John Silkin

The Commission has decided to modify the system of granting export licences for butter so as to enable it to monitor the quantity and destination of such exports. The intention is that no further advance fixing of refunds for exports of butter to Eastern Europe should be authorised for the foreseeable future. The Commission also intends to review the possible methods of disposal of butter.