My statement refers to a subject which after six years finally disintegrated this week, and that is the GATT negotiations and the implications for the Common Agricultural Policy reform package which the Minister has put in place. I welcome the fact that Commissioner MacSharry, is on record as saying that he is not in favour of conceding any more to the GATT negotiators. However, he went on to say that finally it is a matter for the Council of Ministers. What are the implications for the Council of Ministers and the national economy if we are pressurised, because of political considerations elsewhere, to concede more in order to achieve a consensus in the GATT negotiations?
This pressure is coming from an administration which supported its farmers with thousands of dollars every year. In 1988, the latest year for which we have figures, the amount was £20,000. Recently they gave a further £20,000 and in their farm Bill there is a proposal to assist farmers to the tune of £80 billion. The Minister in the reform of Common Agricultural Policy should not give further concessions to achieve a consensus on the GATT negotiations.