§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how the European Economic Community financial guideline which applies to calendar years takes account of agricultural expenditure in agricultural marketing years; what mechanisms exist to apportion planned agricultural expenditure into calendar years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe financial guideline relates to expenditure under the Community budget, which operates on a calendar year basis. In drawing up its estimates of agricultural expenditure on this basis, the Commission takes account of many factors including the anticipated rate of payments, seasonal factors and the date on which the marketing year begins fo each commodity.