§ Mr. Kenneth Carlisleasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in order to regulate the British contribution to food surpluses within the European Community, he will review the capital grants system which at present is used to assist and stimulate farm 382W production (a in those areas of farming where there are European Community structural surpluses, (b) in those areas of farming where a British surplus exists, and (c) in all other areas of farming.
§ Mrs. FennerThe European Community's agricultural structures policy, under which the capital grants schemes are operated in the United Kingdom, is presently under review by the European Council. In the discussions which are already taking place on the proposed successor to the existing policy full account is being taken of the considerations highlighted by my hon. Friend.
In the meantime, as I stated in my reply on 17 November to my hon. Friend the Member for Devon, West and Torridge (Sir P. Mills). I shall shortly be announcing some changes in the capital grant schemes, following our recent assessment of priorities in the light of changing circumstances.