asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received questioning the objectives of the European Economic Community, through the common agricultural policy, of continuing to aim for European self-sufficiency in foodstuffs; and if he will make a statement.

The objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy, which are set out in Article 39 of the Treaty of Rome, make no reference to self-sufficiency. I frequently receive representations from a wide range of sources on CAP matters.