asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if the present subsidies for sheep will be continued if and when a Common Agricultural Policy for sheep is introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sheep Subsidies.
133.
The EEC Commission has not yet fulfilled its intention to make proposals for regulation of the Community market in sheepmeat and I am not in a position to anticipate what may emerge from such proposals when made.
As regards subsidies, the Treaty of Rome provides that the EEC Commission shall, in co-operation with member states, keep under constant review all systems of aid existing in these states and shall propose any appropriate measures required by the progressive development or by the functioning of the common market.
Might I ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether the Minister favours the deficiency payments system as against an intervention system in a proposed common agricultural policy for sheep?
The Minister has had that question examined comprehensively. I am sure the system he favours is the one most beneficial, in his opinion, to our sheep owners.
In view of the fact that Commissioner Lardinois stated that he hoped for a common agricultural policy for sheep for June, 1974, would the Minister, through his Parliamentary Secretary—in his capacity as President of the Council of Ministers for Agriculture—ensure that a common agricultural policy for sheep is introduced immediately?
That would be a matter for discussion.
That is a separate question.
Might I ask the Parliamentary Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the fact that sheep well advanced in pregnancy are being slaughtered? Further, bearing that fact in mind, would he ensure that a common agricultural policy for sheep is introduced immediately to restore confidence in the industry? I do not think it is a separate question.
I have no such information.
The Parliamentary Secretary has no information to the effect that sheep well advanced in pregnancy are being slaughtered?
None whatsoever.