WEDNESDAY 5 DECEMBER 2007

Mr Pekka Pesonen

  Q580  Chairman: I appreciate that it has been a bit of a rush covering the ground but I think you have successfully covered the ground we wanted to cover. If you feel that you have not had the time and opportunity to expand on the issues that you would want to expand on, if you have got anything in writing we would be very happy to receive it. Thank you very much indeed.

  Mr Pesonen: I am afraid the only thing I have in writing at the moment is my President's speaking notes for tomorrow's meeting at the Commission. I certainly would like to highlight that especially after the 2003 reforms it is very clear to farmers that we have two sources of funding for the Common Agricultural Framework, which we fully support. It is either the consumers, which is our preferred choice, or it is the taxpayer. There is no free lunch any more. That has made a lot of difference for farmers.

  Q581  Lord Plumb: My Lord Chairman, I just wonder if on the risk management you would like to expand on that in writing to us because that is an area of considerable importance as we face the changes that are ahead of us.

  Mr Pesonen: I will have a look at that.

  Q582  Lord Plumb: I am just wondering if you have got some ideas on insurance policies, for instance, which could form a sort of safety net.

  Mr Pesonen: Okay.

  Chairman: Thank you very much indeed.