HC Deb 17 December 1984 vol 70 c34W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reduction in the price of cereals would be required to eliminate the present surplus in the United Kingdom.

Mr. MacGregor

It is not possible to estimate accurately the price cut needed to reduce production by any given amount. Producers' planting decisions are affected by other factors such as the profitability of other enterprises and the development of new varieties. This does not however detract from the need for the Community to pursue a sustained policy of price restraint if the cereals market is to be brought into a better balance.