HL Deb 28 March 2001 vol 624 cc41-2WA
Baroness Jeger

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the amount in the last financial year contributed by United Kingdom taxpayers to subsidise the growing and exporting of tobacco by European Union member states: and how this accords with the Government's smoking and health policies. [HL1375]

Baroness Hayman

The last year for which figures are available for subsidies paid out of the EU budget to tobacco growers is the European Agriculture Guidance and Guarantee Fund financial year ending 15 October 2000, when payments totalled 984.8 million euros (£592.1 million*).

Member states contribute to the EU budget as a whole and not to any particular part. The UK contribution is about 17 per cent before the Fontainebleau abatement is taken into account.

The Government strongly disapproves of the common agricultural policy support scheme for tobacco which was introduced in 1970 to support production in disadvantaged areas, maintain farmers incomes and reduce surpluses by adapting production to market needs. We believe that the Community should progressively disengage from support for tobacco production on grounds of health and cost.

*£=1.6631 euro.