§ Mr. JackTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if an underspend on sheep annual premium in the financial year 1997–98 could result in an increase in the level of Britain's Fontainebleau rebate during 1998–99. [17280]
Dr. John CunninghamAn underspend on sheep annual premium in the 1997 EU Budget could theoretically increase the UK's Fontainebleau abatement during 1998. However, it is not possible to be sure of the effect for the UK's abatement, for the reasons given in the reply to the right hon. Member by my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary to the Treasury on 18 November 1997,Official Report, column 115.