§ Sir Teddy TaylorTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the basic purpose of the EU in spending £4,565,000,000 on the subsidising of food exports in 1997; and what plans Her Majesty's Government have for promoting reforms within the EU to reduce this level of public expenditure. [45527]
§ Mr. RookerExport subsidies facilitate exports from the EU of food and agricultural commodities whose prices are higher within the internal EU market than those attainable on world markets because of CAP price support policies. The Government are supporting Commission proposals to reduce CAP support prices and thus reduce the need for export subsidies.
§ Sir Teddy TaylorTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list each of the subsidies and other payments made to land owners and farmers in 1997; what amount was spent on each subsidy; and what is the basic purpose of each subsidy. [45531]
§ Mr. RookerEstimates of expenditure in 1997–98 on support measures under the Common Agricultural Policy are provided in the Departmental Report of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Intervention Board, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. Such measures are formulated in support of the objectives of the CAP, as laid down in the Treaty of Rome.