HC Deb 31 October 1988 vol 139 cc479-80W
Mr. Andrew Welsh

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the European Economic Community countries which (a) have and (b) have not introduced set-aside schemes; if he will state the major differences between the European Economic Community and United Kingdom schemes; and what steps have been taken to ensure that the United Kingdom farming industry is not disadvantaged.

Mr. Ryder

The United Kingdom, the Federal Republic of Germany and the Netherlands have already put national set-aside schemes into force. All other member states except Portugal have submitted draft schemes to the Commission, and I expect the details of these to be finalised shortly so as to allow implementation. Portugal has no obligation to introduce set-aside until 1994.

The United Kingdom scheme conforms to the framework of detailed rules laid down by Community legislation. It is the responsibility of the Commission to ensure that the schemes of other member states are within these uniform rules. The Government will be keeping a watch on developments in other member states.