§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he anticipates completion of negotiations on the European Community sheepmeat regime; if he will make a statement on the current state of these negotiations; and what account he has taken of the importance attached by farmers to store sales.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonDiscussions on the EC Commission's proposals for changes to the sheepmeat284W regime have made little progress. Negotiations may well continue for some time. I am well aware of the desirability of ensuring that any changes to the regime are introduced with sufficient notice so that farmers can plan ahead, particularly when making purchases at store sales.
§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list in theOfficial Report the pound sterling equivalent of the per ewe payment allocated to farmers in each member state of the European Community under the sheepmeat regime as presently constituted.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe Commission regulation setting rates of ewe premium is due to be published shortly. I will write to the hon. Member when the details are available.