§ Mr. Lathamasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received from the National Farmers' Union regarding the green pound; and what action he intends to take in that regard.
§ Mr. GummerFollowing the devaluation of the Irish green punt in September, I made a request to the Commission of the European Communities for devaluations of the green pound for beef and for other livestock products. On 18 November the Commission made a proposal for devaluations of the green pound and the French green franc for beef and sheepmeat. I am pressing for a positive decision at the earliest opportunity. The National Farmers Union wrote to me seeking a devaluation and has welcomed my request. It has, however, registered its concern at the size of the United Kingdom negative monetary compensatory amount. I keep this matter under constant review and shall continue to do so.