§ Mr. Marlowasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will list the direct and indirect advantages and disadvantages to the United Kingdom consumer of the common agricultural policy, quantified where possible.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithTo assess whether a particular agricultural policy is of advantage or of disadvantage to consumers it would be necessary to know what might be the alternatives to that policy and to make assumptions about trends in world food markets.
Accordingly, such an assessment can only be hypothetical. For example, if we choose to support agriculture through direct payments, consumers might get their food cheaper. On the other hand, in their capacity as taxpayers they would have to finance higher support costs and they could be exposed to possible shortages and higher prices on world markets.