HC Deb 09 December 1993 vol 234 c365W
15. Mr. Grocott

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is her latest estimate of the net cost of the common agricultural policy to British consumers.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

There is a significant net cost to United Kingdom consumers, and indeed United Kingdom tax payers, from the CAP. For a number of reasons, of which the hon. Gentleman will be aware, it is not possible to be precise about the figure estimate.

16. Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total annual cost of the common agricultural policy before the latest reforms were implemented; and what is the projected total cost in the current year and in 1994 and 1995.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

Expenditure in 1992 was 31.3 becu—£22.2 billion—and in 1993 is estimated at 35.1 becu—£27.6 billion. The draft budget for 1994, the first full year in which the budgetary impact of CAP reform will be felt, has been set at 36.5 becu—£28.1 billion. Estimates for 1995 are not available as budgets are not set more than one year in advance.

23. Sir Thomas Arnold

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when she next expects to meet her EC counterparts to discuss reform of the CAP.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

I regularly meet my EC colleagues, both bilaterally and at meetings of the Agriculture Council.

Further reform of the CAP is among the range of topics covered at such meetings.