Sir Patrick Wall asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the Dutch Government are expected to bring their fuel prices for horticulture into line with those charged to industry; if this will now be achieved before the end of this year; and if he will consider the imposition of countervailing duties.

Mr. Peter Walker: This is on the agenda for today's meeting of the Council of Agriculture Ministers. My right hon. Friend is continuing to press for an early end to the Dutch preferential gas tariff.

The setting of countervailing duties is a matter for the Commission, but there is no legal basis for imposing them in present circumstances.