asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will reconsider the question of a continued fuel subsidy to the glasshouse industry in view of the EEC Commissioner for Agriculture's statement on 9th April that it would be desirable for the British Government to use their authorisation to introduce direct aids to that industry pending longer-term Commission proposals.

No. The subsidy paid to British growers on oil consumed in the 12 months ending 31st December 1974 was more generous than the temporary fuel aids being given by other member countries of the EEC for varying periods up to 30th June 1975.