Vol. 432 No. 7
95 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if, when he amends EC Regulations 804/68, he will include a legal basis for a national levy to fund generic promotion of products; and if he will restrict it to dairy co-operatives who have engaged in the manufacture and promotion of substitute dairy products.
In the context of the prices agreement for 1993-94, I secured agreement of the Council to allow member states the option of applying a levy at national level to fund the generic promotion of dairy products. Such promotion up to now had been financed from the proceeds of the Community co-responsibility levy. This levy was abolished with effect from 1 April 1993.
While no decisions have yet been made on the detailed application of a levy at national level, I do not consider it would be appropriate to draw a distinction on the basis referred to by the Deputy.
