HC Deb 16 March 1978 vol 946 cc285-6W
41. Miss Boothroyd

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he intends to continue to support the efforts of the European Commission to keep the next increase in common agricultural policy prices down to a level well below that of general price inflation in the Community.

Mr. John Silkin

I have made clear that I welcome the Commission's proposal to limit increases in CAP prices to amounts that are on average well below the average rate of inflation in the Community; nevertheless, in my view even greater restraint is necessary particularly for products in structural surplus. I will continue to press for the reduction of CAP prices in real terms.