§ 28. Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the implications for agriculture in Scotland of the current progress of discussions on a devaluation of the green pound.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe current level of green pound places Scottish producers at a disadvantage relative to those in some other member states. My right hon. and learned Friend and I are well aware, from our frequent discussions with farmers and their leaders, that this is a major area of concern, particularly for the beef sector.
Accordingly the Government are of the view that the 4 per cent. devaluation proposed by the European Commission as part of this year's CAP price-fixing proposals is not enough and we shall in the negotiations be aiming to improve on this figure. Our objective will be to secure a higher devaluation than, for example, France and Ireland whose monetary compensation amounts are already less than those for the United Kingdom.