§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what impact the 1984 European Economic Community farm price review will have on consumers in Scotland in the light of the 20 per cent. reduction in the maximum variable price premium; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe overall price of food in Scotland is unlikely to rise as a result of the 1984 European Economic Community farm price settlement. The Government secured the continuation of the beef premium scheme against intense opposition and have underlined their commitment to the future of beef production by doubling the suckler cow subsidy.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will conduct an inquiry into the number of dairy cows which will require to be slaughtered as a result of the decisions taken in the 1984 European Economic Community farm price review on milk production and set out in the Official Report the findings of that inquiry, region by region, in Scotland.
§ Mr. John MacKayIt will be for each producer to assess how best to respond to the restraints on milk production in the light of his individual circumstances. Production may be controlled by culling cows, but a lower intake of high concentrate feed and reducing yields could be equally effective. In view of this, my right hon. Friend does not intend to set up an inquiry, although the rate of culling and the impact of the measures will, of course, be monitored by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will have discussions with the leaders of the Scottish National Farmers Union to establish the estimated loss of jobs in the agricultural industry as a direct result of the 1984 European Economic Community farm price review; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKayMy right hon. Friend has frequent meetings with Scottish NFU leaders and future discussions will consider the implications for Scottish agriculture of the agreements reached in the Council of Agriculture Ministers on the operation of the common agricultural policy in 1984–85. The measures agreed represent a very important step towards controlling the growth of unwanted food surpluses and the overall costs of the common agricultural policy. While there will be difficulties for the farming community, it was essential to reach an agreement which is fair to the interests of both consumers and producers, as well as the United Kingdom taxpayer. It is not possible at this stage to make any assessment of the detailed effects on employment in the agriculture industry of the agreement.