§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the current state of the arable sector.
§ Mr. RyderIn 1988–89, United Kingdom beet sugar production exceeded 1.3 million tonnes, one of the highest levels on record. Returns to United Kingdom sugar beet producers have been broadly in line with those in the previous year, the EC sugar price for 1988–89 having been maintained at the 1987–88 level. For oilseeds and protein crops, returns in 1988–89 have been affected by the operation of the EC stabiliser mechanism for these crops. United Kingdom production of oilseed rape in 1988–89 is estimated at about 1 million tonnes, with prices reduced by214W 7.65 per cent. below the institutional price level because Community production has exceeded the maximum guaranteed quantity (in effect a small price increase over 1987–88 when prices were reduced by 10 per cent.). United Kingdom production of protein crops is estimated to have reached a record level of about 892,000 tonnes this year. Prices have been reduced by about 10 per cent. in this sector as a result of the stabiliser mechanism.