§ Lord Mottistoneasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking to ensure that the proposed EEC minimum import price for dried fruit is kept sufficiently low to encourage demand for non-EEC dried fruit, given that EEC production of dried fruit satisfies only 50 per cent. of EEC demand and that there is no EEC production of raisins at all.
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Lord Belstead)Under the revised regime for dried grapes agreed at the 31st March Council of Agriculture Ministers a permanent minimum import price was introduced, together with countervailing charges for lower entry prices, to assist market stability and the operation of the aid system. In subsequent consideration of the detailed arrangements in the Council my right honourable friend the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has insisted on the importance for our predominant consumer interest of the avoidance of disproportionate charges for minor breaches of the minimum import price and adequate arrangements for our trade to prefix the price of imports under long-term contracts.
Under Council Regulation (EEC) No. 988/84 of 31st March 1984 the level of the minimum import price for sultanas and raisins and that for currants for the marketing year, which starts on 1st September, falls to be determined by the management committee procedure. In their consideration of the levels to be fixed our representatives on the management committee for processed fruit and vegetables will have in mind the United Kingdom's predominant consumer interests, the need to facilitate imports from third countries of varieties and qualities not produced within the Community, as well as steps to improve the standard of Greek produce.