§ 25. Mr. Dykesasked the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with recent developments in the common agricultural policy price review regulations in the Council of Ministers.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI explained my views fully in the debate on 20 March and when I reported on later developments to the House on 31 March.
§ 26. Mr. Marlowasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his analysis of the advantages of a deficiency payment system over the common agricultural policy.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithBoth systems have their merits and the choice should depend on circumstances. Under a deficiency payments system the cost of support falls essentially on the taxpayer. Under the common agricultural policy the cost should fall on the consumer. But in practice, due to the production of surpluses, the taxpayer has also been bearing a high burden. However, neither system of itself can ensure that surpluses are not produced.
§ 36. Mr. Cryerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress he has made towards a reform of the common agricultural policy.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe freeze on milk prices for 1979–80 and the very low increase for other products was a start.