HC Deb 28 March 1996 vol 274 cc1149-51
1. Mr. Sutcliffe

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to press for reform of the common agricultural policy; and if he will make a statement. [21601]

4. Mr. Spring

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has for reform of the common agricultural policy. [21604]

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Douglas Hogg)

I shall seek to build on the European Commission's acceptance of our view that the common agricultural policy must change by continuing to press for progressive reductions in production-linked support and the eventual removal of artificial restrictions on production.

Mr. Sutcliffe

Is not the Government's credibility in question in view of yesterday's export ban on British beef? What are the Minister's plans for rebuilding confidence in British beef? Will he implement the proposals of my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, East (Dr. Strang) and the National Farmers Union, which would regain the credibility of British beef? More important, any reform of the common agricultural policy would be helped if the Government made sure that they put the interests of British people first.

Mr. Hogg

I certainly think that the decision by the European Union to ban, or temporarily suspend, the importation of British beef is not founded on the scientific evidence, and is therefore wrong. As our advisory committee has made absolutely plain, provided the controls are fully implemented, the risk from eating beef is extremely small or, to use ordinary language, British beef is safe.

Mr. Spring

Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that any reform of the CAP must look closely at beef production and include long-term reassurance to the British and continental public that British beef is safe? Does he share my view that the collapse in confidence in British beef is due in part to the quite disgraceful and irresponsible scaremongering of the hon. Member for Peckham (Ms Harman)?

Mr. Hogg

Much of the hysterical reaction to the contents of the scientific committee's report has contributed to the lack of public confidence. I deeply regret that, and those who have been party to it should be ashamed of themselves.

Mr. Wigley

Is the Minister aware that rural Wales faces devastation from the prospective loss of as many as 20,000 jobs because of the beef crisis? Will he confirm that it is within the Government's power to bring in an intervention scheme and that it would be possible to have a British aid scheme on that basis? Will he make an announcement about selective culling to restore confidence? When, oh when, will the Government do something? People are losing their livelihoods and the farms that they have built up over a generation while the Government seem mesmerised, like chickens in the headlights of a car.

Mr. Hogg

There is unquestionably a lack of consumer confidence at the moment. I do not believe that it is justified because it is quite plain from what the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee—SEAC—has said that, to use ordinary language, British beef is safe. There is a debate later today in which I shall set out our further thoughts. I think that they will be of assistance to the House.

Sir Michael Spicer

Is not the situation with respect to British beef and the CAP that either British beef and British beef producers will be supported through intervention buying through the CAP or we shall have to go it alone through some form of national deficiency payments? Would not that begin to spell the end of the CAP as we know it?

Mr. Hogg

My hon. Friend is entirely right to focus on the existing intervention scheme. The European Union, through its policies within the agricultural policy, should play a full part in supporting the British meat industry at this time.

Dr. Strang

May I suggest to the Minister that, from the start, a more constructive approach should have been taken to the inevitable concern in Europe following last week's announcement on BSE and CID? Will he agree to a change in his position today? Will he assure us that his officials are talking with European Commission officials about measures that aim to get rid of BSE? Does he agree that it would be valuable to agree a package that has European support and European funding?

Mr. Hogg

The hon. Gentleman has called for a more constructive attitude. I assume that that is an implied rebuke for the hon. Member for Peckham (Ms Harman). As to the substantive part of his question relating to talks with the European Union, I confirm that officials were in Brussels yesterday and are in Brussels today discussing possible ways of restoring confidence in British beef and ways in which the European Union can play a full part in providing financial assistance. I anticipate going to Brussels shortly to reinforce those discussions.