Written question asked by Rod Richards (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 January 1997. It was answered by Tony Baldry (Conservative) on Thursday, 23 January 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: If he will comment on the progress being made by the (a) Italian and (b) Spanish governments in respect of the payment of EU penalties arising from the milk quota regime. - Inc figs.

Answer: Mr. Richards: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress being made by the (a) Italian and (b) Spanish Governments in respect of the payment of EU penalties arising from the milk quota regime. [11710] Mr. Baldry: I have been asked to reply. In line with the agreement reached in the October 1994 Economic and Finance Council meeting, Italy has to date paid about 1.4 becu, about £1 billion at current sterling-ecu exchange rate, and Spain 1.0 becu, about £0.7 billion, in penalties arising from their failure properly to implement the milk quota regime. Italy is due to pay approximately a further 0.5 becu, £0.4 billion, and Spain 0.3 becu, £0.2 billion, by the end of 1998 under the agreement.

Secondary information