HC Deb 12 January 1978 vol 941 cc815-6W
20. Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, if, during his recent talks with EEC Ministers, he discussed the damaging effect of the present level of the green pound on British agriculture; and if, in the interests of the EEC as well as home producers of food, he made or intends to make any proposals to devalue it.

Mr. Bishop

My right hon. Friend regularly reports to the House on his discussions in the Council of Ministers. The outcome of the December Council was set out in the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Walsall, South (Mr. George) on 14th December 1977. On the green pound, my right hon. Friend has repeatedly explained that he has no objection in principle to a change, but the timing and extent of any change must be judged according to the national interest—[Vol. 941, col. 249–50.]