HC Deb 17 October 1994 vol 248 cc147-8W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the average percentage change in EC common agricultural prices between August 1992 and May 1994.

Mr. Jack

It is not possible to calculate an average percentage change in prices under the common agricultural policy which is weighted to reflect accurately the importance of particular commodities. The table, based on information contained in the notes placed in the Library of this House following the 1992 and 1993 price fixing agreements, shows the changes in intervention or equivalent prices in ecu/tonne, of agricultural commodities over the period cited.

Table showing changes in Intervention Prices: August 1992—may 1994
Intervention prices (ecultonne)
August 92 May 94 Percentage Change
Wheat 163.49 115.49 –29.36
Barley 155.33 115.49 –25.65
Maize 163.49 115.49 –29.36
Durum wheat 220.87 115.49 –47.71
Rice 313.65 309.60 –1.29
Butter 2927.80 2803.30 –4.25
Beef 3430.00 3216.40 –6.23
Pigmeat1 1897.00 1872.00 –1.32
Sheepmeat1 4229.50 4174.52 –1.30
Sugar 542.20 523.30 –3.49
Dried Fodder2 178.61 178.53 -0.04
Cauliflowers3 115.20 106.60 –7.47
Tomatoes3 93.60 107.00 14.32
Apples3 143.30 133.10 –7.12
Pears3 142.00 145.40 2.39
Peaches3 208.10 200.60 –18.46
Oranges3 208.10 214.90 3.27
Mandarins3 227.50 233.40 2.59
Lemons3 226.60 239.90 5.87
Grapes3 207.40 230.20 10.99
Apricots3 237.40 234.40 –1.26
Aubergines3 71.10 70.40 –0.98
Nectarines3 269.50 226.90 –15.81
Satsumas3 124.30 135.40 8.93
Clementines3 180.80 184.00 1.77
Olive Oil 2023.70 1947.96 –3.74
Tobacco4 3096.14 1898.64 –38.68
Silkworms5 111.81 111.76 –0.04
Cotton2 1027.90 1014.62 –1.29
Table wine6 35.44 34.65 -2.23

1 Basic price

2 Guide price

3 Withdrawal price

4 Average normal price

5 Ecu/box

6 Average guide price/hl

Dr. Strang

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is her latest estimate of the total cost of the common agricultural policy, including the agricultural monetary reserve, as a proportion of the total EU budget.

Mr. Waldegrave

[holding answer 21 July 1994]: The CAP, including the agricultural monetary reserve, comprises about 54 per cent. of the total EU budget for 1994. On present forecasts it will not be necessary to draw on the monetary reserve.

Dr. Strang

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is her latest estimate of the total cost of the common agricultural policy in 1994(a) including and (b) excluding the monetary reserve.

Mr. Waldegrave

[holding answer 21 July 1994]: The Commission's latest estimate of EC expenditure on the CAP in 1994 is 35.7 billion ecu. This estimate is well within the agricultural guideline and there is unlikely to be any need to draw on the monetary reserve.

Dr. Strang

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is her latest estimate of the total cost of the common agricultural policy in 1994 to the United Kingdom.

Mr. Waldegrave

[holding answer 21 July 1994]: The Exchequer cost of common agricultural policy expenditure in the United Kingdom in the current financial year is estimated to be just over £2.7 billion. The United Kingdom also contributes to the cost of the CAP in other member states through our net contributions to the EC Budget.