§ Sir Hector Monroasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the National Farmers Union of Scotland concerning the devaluation of the green pound; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindI attended the union's annual general meeting dinner on 12 March with my hon. Friend the Minister with responsibility for Education, Agriculture and Fisheries who addressed the meeting on 13 March and responded to questions from the floor. On both occasions the union's views on the need for a green pound devaluation were made very clear.
The Government are currently involved in this year's common agricultural policy price-fixing negotiations, which include the European Commission's proposals for green currency devaluations and a reform of the agrimonetary system. Our approach to these negotiations reflects our desire to see even-handed and fair treatment between member states of the Community and between individual producers, traders and consumers.