§ Mr. Pollockasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the Community has reached agreement on guide prices for 1983 in the fish sector.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithAgreement on guide prices for 1983 was reached at the Council of Ministers' meeting on 13 December. The new prices will come into effect on 1 January 1983.
The Commission's original proposals for guide prices for 1983 were contained in document 10701/82 dated 5 November 1982. On the recommendation of the Select Committee on European Legislation, these proposals were debated in the House of Commons on 7 December 1982.
The proposals provided for increases in prices of between 2 per cent. and 5 per cent. for the species of particular importance to the United Kingdom fishing industry. In the course of discussion within the Community, we were able to negotiate some useful improvements, and the prices finally agreed provide for increases ranging up to 9.5 per cent. for cod.
Details of the final agreement for 1983, together with 1982 guide prices will be placed in the Library.