§ Mr. GrocottTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the cost per family in the United Kingdom of the common agricultural policy in(a) 1985, (b) 1990 and (c) the latest year for which figures are available. [37927]
§ Mr. BaldryA note entitled "The Cost of the Common Agricultural Policy to Taxpayers and Consumers", produced by the Department, was deposited in the Library of the House on 9 March. This gives estimates of the cost of the CAP to UK consumers and taxpayers of £3.88 per person per week, equivalent to £15.52 per week per family of four, in 1993, the latest year for which estimates 477W have been made. The equivalent figures for 1985 and 1990 are respectively £8.48 and £13.64 per week per family of four.
These estimates have been based on calculations by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development of total transfers resulting from agricultural policies in the European Union, with adjustments in respect of the abatement to the United Kingdom's contribution to the European Union budget.
The estimates are likely to overstate the savings which could be made by UK consumers and taxpayers if the CAP were removed; in the absence of support, world prices would be higher than at present.
§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his latest estimate of the amount the common agricultural policy costs the average family(a) per week and (b) per year. [39251]
§ Mr. BaldryI refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend, the Member for Bristol, West (Mr. Waldegrave) to the hon. Member for Taunton (Mr. Nicholson) on 9 March 1995,Official Report, column 328.