§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why he considers the present level of cereal prices is necessary to maintain a viable cereal industry in the United Kingdom; and if it is his policy not to press for a reduction in cereal prices under the common agricultural policy.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI made clear to the House in my statement of 19 May 1982 that the increases in cereals support prices which the Council of Ministers adopted for this current season went beyond what I regarded as appropriate. I have also made clear to the Council, in the negotiations over prices for 1983–84 now in progress, that I consider the increases for cereals proposed by the Commission to be higher than necessary, taking account of the present state of the cereals and other sectors.