asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has received any proposals in relation to the fixing at EEC level of prices of agricultural products for 1979 and, if so, the details.

The EEC Commission proposals on the fixing of prices for 1979-80 and on certain related measures were circulated under cover of Council Document 4648/79 of 5 February. A copy of the document has been placed in the Library of the House.

When does the Minister expect a decision will be taken on these proposals? What is his present expectation in the matter?

It is impossible to speculate but I would hope that, with the British General Election safely out of the way, an important obstacle to the settlement of this year's price package will have been removed. But I do not care to make a prediction at this stage.

I appreciate that. Would the Minister agree that the fact that, in some cases, agricultural prices are not being settled for a particular year until almost half way through that year is unsatisfactory?

That is so, yes.