asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether, in view of the likelihood of new farm finance regulations being agreed by the EEC before 31st December, there are any plans to consult with Britain to explore her disposition towards such changes; and whether the Government at this stage have considered the effect of such changes on agriculture in this country in view of its crucial importance to the economy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Agricultural Policy.
5.
During next week's meeting with British Ministers we shall be discussing, inter alia, the applications of both countries for membership of the EEC. These discussions will, of course, also cover the main agricultural aspects. My Department has been keeping in close touch with developments on the Community's common agricultural policy but, as the Deputy will appreciate, the implications for Ireland of the financing of that policy will depend not only on any new regulations that may be adopted by the Community in the immediate future but also on the arrangements that will be made during the entry negotiations for Ireland and the other applicant countries.
Would the Minister agreed that certain ideas which are being bruited around Europe at present about the financing arrangements in agriculture would mean, if these suggestions were implemented, that little benefit would accrue to our agriculture on our entry? Would he agree that there are some alarming theories about the price structure floating about Europe?
There are, of course, various suggestions being mooted some of which might be to our greater advantage and it is also true that some would be to our disadvantage. To try at this stage to assess on a purely hypotheical basis what will be the ultimate outcome would be a rather wasteful exercise.
Would the Minister agree that the views of both the French and the Germans on agricultural pricing seem to point to an alarming unanimity about such pricing arrangements and certainly one could not see them proving——
(Interruptions.)
What is the fat boy saying now?
Are we to be subjected again today, Sir, to interruptions by Deputy Crowley?
(Interruptions.)
This is a pattern——
Would Deputies please allow questions to continue?
The Minister will agree that this poses a very serious question for us. Would he agree that both the French and German views seem to paint a very alarming picture about the future if these ideas are implemented? Would he further agree that these continental ideas are very important and that we should seek some agreement with Britain about our attitude to these proposals?
It can be taken that, because of the difference in the respective economies of Britain and ourselves, the formula that would in the normal course suit our agricultural community might not necessarily suit the British economy. In so far as the two views coincide to any degree, that would seem to be to the benefit of both of them. The Deputy and the House can take it that in any discussions, including next week's discussions when the overall situation with regard to the EEC will come up, we on our part, and I am sure the British also, will be very anxious to try to attune our outlook to our best possible advantage.
Would the Minister issue a statement to the agricultural interests in this country after the meeting next week?
That will depend entirely on conclusions, if any, reached at that meeting and also on whether there will be an agreed type of statement or separate statements from the two participating Governments.
In this particular case, Britain's interests and our interests are diametrically opposed. Britain will try to get cheap food from Ireland and from the colonies as in the past. Our Government and our Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries will have to fight to ensure that we get economic prices for our agricultural produce. We cannot rely on Britain in this particular case.