§ 22. Sir Peter Blakerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes to take to defend the interests of British glasshouse growers in view of the agreement made by the Dutch Gas Corporation to reduce the price of gas for Dutch growers; whether he regards this action as fair trading; what representations he is making to the European Economic Community about it; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JoplingOn the day the decision to reduce gas prices to Dutch growers was announced, I took the matter up with both the European Communities Commission and the Dutch Minister of Agriculture in Luxembourg. I followed this up in writing and, with Ministers of other member states, re-emphasised at the EC Council on 23 October the urgent need for the Dutch to comply with the agreed arrangements for determining the gas price for their horticulturists. I have made clear how seriously we view this issue; and it is helpful that other member states have also made strong representations.
The Commission has asked the Dutch Government to provide information to justify their action by the end of this week. This request will be considered the first step in a case by the Commission against the Dutch Government if the information received is not satisfactory. I intend to take all possible steps to ensure that the matter is pursued vigorously and speedily.