HL Deb 08 March 1994 vol 552 cc99-100WA
Lord Tebbit

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the effect of the common agricultural policy of the European Union is to raise or lower the price of food to the United Kingdom consumer.

The Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Earl Howe)

For most agricultural commodities, the effect of the common agricultural policy (CAP) is to set prices to consumers at levels above those generally obtaining on world markets. However, the reforms agreed in May

1992 included significant cuts in support prices for the major commodities which in turn reduces the cost to the consumer.