§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what precise proposals he has advanced to the Council of Ministers and to the Commission of the EEC for the reform of the common agricultural policy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BishopBy far the most important single reform of the CAP would be a reduction in the average real level of support prices so as to bring supply and demand into balance. This in itself would case the burden on EEC consumers, reduce the cost of the CAP to the budget, and end the disruption of world markets. It is essential to give priority to these objectives. In addition, however, my550W right hon. Friend has proposed that, so long as surpluses exist, they should be used for the benefit of the Community's inhabitants whenever possible; that access for imports from outside the Community should be improved; and that a more liberal attitude should be taken towards national aids except where these would exacerbate the surplus problem.