§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what effect the sheepmeat regime agreed with the European Economic Community will have on consumer prices for lamb and mutton in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithDuring the negotiations preceding the introduction of the European Community sheepmeat regime on 20 October, the Government was able to secure agreement to a form of support for United Kingdom sheep producers (by means of a variable premium, which is in effect a deficiency payment) and to arrangements for New Zealand and other imports which will fully safeguard the interests of consumers. I have no doubt that consumer prices will be lower than they would otherwise have been.
§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated cost of the sheepmeat regime to European Economic Community funds.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe Community's draft budget for 1981 makes provision for expenditure under the sheep-meat regime of approximately £166 million.