§ Mrs. LaitTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action she is taking to ensure a level playing field in the market for apples, with particular reference to Coxes, in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. JackThe principal problem facing English apple growers is oversupply within Europe. The objective of the EC regime in fruit and vegetables is to provide for fair competition. However, the intervention system sustains over-production, distorts the market and needs reform. The Council of Ministers has asked the Commission to come forward with proposals and we shall be pressing for these to take full account of the needs of the market, including that for our Coxes.