asked the Minister for Finance what attitude he has adopted to the German backed proposals that the member countries of the EEC widen the limits on the movement of their currencies exchange rates with the US dollar; and his attitude to the French view that such a proposal might jeopardise the EEC common farm policy, of which Ireland is a prospective beneficiary.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Farm Policy.
23.
The proposals referred to are a contribution to the debate among the members of the EEC with a view to framing an agreed proposition to put to the International Monetary Fund. The fund is expected to consider international monetary reform, and in particular the widening of exchange margins around parity, at its annual meeting in September next.
Many issues await clarification but it may be safely assumed that in view of the fundamental importance of the common farm policy to the EEC, the members will not agree on any proposition which would put this policy in jeopardy.
Is the Minister not prepared to take some initiative himself in view of the fact that the common farm policy is of great importance to us?
I think the Deputy is under a misapprehension in so far as his question appears to suggest that the German proposals were jeopardising the common farm policy. In fact, the German proposals were that the Six Members of the Common Market would temporarily widen their exchange rates against third countries as a body, as the exchange rates between member countries of the Six would not be disturbed, such a proposal would not interfere with the common agricultural policy.
Do I take it we are supporting the German viewpoint against that of the other five members of the EEC on this issue?
I do not know how the Deputy reads that into it.
Question No. 24.
The Minister appeared to be defending the German viewpoint.
I was explaining that Deputy Bruton was mistaken if he thought that that was what was meant.
Question No. 24.
Is there agreement within the EEC on this matter?
There is no agreement on this matter.