HC Deb 04 February 1982 vol 17 cc206-7W
23. Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further representations he has received from the agricultural industry concerning reform of the common agricultural policy.

Mr. Peter Walker

I shall be meeting Sir Richard Butler and other representatives of the National Farmers Unions to discuss this and other matters this afternoon.

32. Mr. Geraint Howells

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he intends to make any further proposals for the reform of the common agricultural policy; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Walker

I shall continue to press for improvements in the operation of the common agricultural policy designed to tackle the problem of surpluses, restrain the growth of expenditure, and ensure fair competition within the Community.

38. Mr. Cryer

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what fundamental alterations have taken place in the common agricultural policy since May 1979; and if he will make a statement on any changes currently under negotiation.

Mr. Peter Walker

The rate of growth of expenditure under the common agricultural policy has been more than halved in the last three years compared with the annual rate of growth in the preceding three years, while its share of the Community budget has been reduced from 80 per cent. in 1978 to 66 per cent. in 1981. A sheepmeat regime favourable to United Kingdom producers and consumers has been introduced. In the current discussions of the development of the common agricultural policy I am continuing to press for action to limit surplus production, continue restraint on the growth of expenditure, and ensure fair competiton within the Community.

41. Mr. Greenway

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of the European Economic Community budget was taken up in support for the common agricultural policy in the last year compared with the last three previous years.

Mr. Peter Walker

Final figures are not yet available for 1981, but in the latest revised budget the common agricultural policy took up 66 per cent. of the total, compared with 80 per cent., 75 per cent. and 73 per cent. for actual payments in 1978, 1979 and 1980, respectively.