HC Deb 12 July 1979 vol 970 cc264-5W
38. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from consumers' organisations concerning the recently agreed EEC agricultural price review; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Walker

I have seen press reports of the views of various consumer organisations and I shall shortly be meeting the director of the Consumers Association. My statement on 22 June explained that consumers would benefit as a result of the EEC farm price settlement from the biggest butter subsidy we have ever received from the Community. Consumers will certainly do better than in any price fixing agreed to by my predecessors.

41. Mr. Crowther

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what net increase in Great Britain's contribution to the EEC budget is expected to result from the latest farm price review.

49. Mr. Straw

asked the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food, what will be the additional costs to the EEC Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund for agriculture of the Luxembourg farm price deal.

Mr. Peter Walker

The latest revised figures given by the Commission as to the cost of the CAP prices settlement are as follows:—

£ million
The 1½ per cent, price increases plus the changes in the German and Benelux green rate 63
The 1½ per cent. green franc devaluation 51
Increase in milk powder subsidy 44
Increased butter subsidy 182
Other changes in the milk sector, such as school milk 8
Other increases mainly on aids on processed fruit and vegetables 24
372
The 5 per cent, green pound devaluation—minus 74
298

Britain will have to meet 16½ per cent. of this total which is its marginal contribution to the CAP which will amount to £49 million.

The benefits to the United Kingdom in financial terms will be:—

£ million
The butter subsidy 65
School milk subsidy 4
Extra receipts due to the green pound devaluation 14
83