Lord Bruce of Doningtonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their policy towards the European Commission document COM(93) 390 final dealing with the development and future of wine sector policy, particularly in the light of the United Kingdom's financial contribution to the Community budget.
Earl HoweThe Government support the objective of the European Commission, in their document COM(93)380, of restoring balance in the market for wine. The Government will look for tight limits to be set on the cost of the regime and in the longer term a reduction in Community expenditure. Other objectives will be to avoid unnecessary regulation of our small wine growing industry; to prevent damage to the UK alcohol industry from sales of surplus alcohol; and to increase the information available to consumers.