§ 21. Mr. HoyleTo ask the Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Food what is her assessment of the effect of the expansion of the common agricultural policy on European finances.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardThe implications for the Community budget of enlarging the European Community depends on the individual circumstances of the countries concerned. However, all the countries for which accession negotiations are currently in progress are expected to be net contributors to the Community budget.
§ 24. Mr. BayleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans she has for the reform of common agricultural policy finances in light of proposals to increase the membership of the European Community.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardThe Edinburgh European Council agreed the arrangements for financing the Community's expenditure, including expenditure on the CAP, until 1999. The enlargement of the Community is not expected to lead to any significant change in these arrangements.
§ 25. Mr. Jim MarshallTo ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals she has for reforming the common agricultural policy finances.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardThe Edinburgh European Council agreed the arrangements for financing Community expenditure, including expenditure on the CAP, until 1999. Under this agreement the agricultural guideline will be retained in its existing form.