§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has any plans to abolish the guarantee deficiency payments scheme for lamb during the current year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe Fat Sheep Guarantee Scheme will continue in the absence of agreement on a Community regime for mutton and lamb. In current discussions in the Council of Ministers my right hon. Friend has made it clear that any regime must provide adequate alternative safeguards for United Kingdom producers.