§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the latest position concerning the proposal by the European Community to restrict imports of maize gluten; what estimate has been made by the council of Ministers of the compensation that would have to be paid to the United States of America if a levy or duty above the existing level were to be fixed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe European Community Foreign Affairs Council decided at its meeting on 21 February that restrictions on imports of maize gluten feed will only be considered as an adjunct to agreement to wider reform of the common agricultural policy, which remains the United Kingdom's principal objective. In the light of this the Commission has not been given a mandate to open formal negotiations with the United States and the question of compensation is clearly not one that can be quantified at this stage.