HC Deb 22 January 1981 vol 997 cc218-9W
18. Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to discuss further the renegotiation of the common agricultural policy with Ministers from other European Community countries.

Mr. Peter Walker

Improvements in the policy will probably be discussed at the next meeting of the Agriculture Council.

32. Mr. Jay

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals Her Majesty's Government have for the reform of the common agricultural policy.

Mr. Peter Walker

For products in structural surplus, the Government's policy is to re-establish a proper balance between supply and demand, particularly with a view to reducing the cost of agricultural support to the Community budget.

35. Mr. Ioan Evans

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further action has been taken to bring about fundamental reform of the common agricultural policy; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Walker

Opportunities to improve the common agricultural policy arise mainly at the annual negotiations on support prices. These will be starting shortly and I shall aim to build on the improvements made during the last two years.

Mr. Latham

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the progress he has achieved to date in reforming the common agricultural policy.

Mr. Peter Walker

Since I took office, common support prices have risen by only 3 per cent. per year on average, compared with 7½ per cent. per year under the last Government. This is one of the reasons for food prices rising far less than retail prices in the non-food sector of the economy. I have also negotiated a Common Market organisation for sheepmeat, which is good for the producer, the consumer and New Zealand.