asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the proposed stabilisers to be introduced in the reforming of the Common Agricultural Policy are quotas by another name; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Stabilisation Mechanisms.
34.
The EC Commission's proposals for stabilisation mechanisms do not provide for new quota arrangements but are a series of measures designed to stabilise FEOGA gurantee expenditure. This would be achieved broadly by ensuring that full market support will in future be limited to current Community levels of output, that where thresholds are exceeded a greater share of the financial burden will be borne by producers and that intervention facilities will be more restrictive. For the arable crops sector, set-aside measures are also under consideration. The stabilisation proposals are but one element of a series of measures in the Delors Plan. Final decisions on the whole package are due to be taken on 11-12 February when the European Council meets again.