Agricultural expenditure and EEC support
The Minister reported agriculture’s share of Government expenditure as 4.7% in 1979, 6.1% in 1977 and 15.2% in 1971, excluding consumer subsidies and smallholder unemployment assistance. Bruton pressed for the effect of the latter exclusion and noted the decline; Colley said he lacked that calculation and argued the figures omitted substantial EEC support, citing £370 million through CAP alongside £161 million in State aid for 1979.
asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of total Government expenditure represented by expenditure on agriculture, exclusive of consumer subsidies, in 1979, 1977 and 1971.
Comment on this
The percentages are as follows: 1979, 4.7 per cent; 1977, 6.1 per cent; 1971, 15.2 per cent.
Notes
(a) The figure of 15.2 per cent relates to the year ending March 1972.
(b) The cost of unemployment assistance for smallholders has been excluded from the calculations in addition to the cost of consumer subsidies.
Comment on this
Could the Minister give me some idea of the difference? Is there a difference of 1 per cent?
Comment on this
If that is what the Deputy is trying to establish, he knows why we joined the EEC and he knows where a great deal of the money that is now going into agriculture is coming from.
Comment on this
Since the Deputies do not seem to be aware of it, I should point out that in 1979 agriculture will get £370 million in EEC support through CAP in addition to the £161 million in State aid. It does not help to give a picture of the situation which is only partial and therefore misleading.