§ Mr. Nealeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Council of Agriculture Ministers' meeting in Brussels on 20–21 July; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter Fraserasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the Council of Agriculture Ministers on 20 and 21 July.
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§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThis was the first meeting of this Council under the United Kingdom Presidency with my right hon. Friend as the Chairman of the Council. I, therefore, represented the United Kingdom.
Agreement was finally reached for controlling the use of hormones in animal husbandry and medicines. This provides for a ban on the use of stilbenes and thyrostatic substances in animal husbandry and for further detailed scientific examination to be undertaken of five other hormonal substances.
We secured agreement under which our traditional way of presenting poultrymeat for sale is safeguarded. There will be further discussions over the next year on this and other related veterinary matters.
In his opening statement to the Council my right hon. Friend emphasised the need to tackle the problems over State aids to agriculture. I pressed the Council for more urgent action to remove the distortion to competition which is resulting from the Dutch gas pricing arrangements for horticulture. I was supported in this by a number of other member States.
I also asked the Commission to report on the action that it is taking over the national aids which France gives to its agriculture industry. The Commissioner said that the French Government had not yet replied to all the Commission's inquiries and that unless a response was received within a few days further action would be taken by the Commission. It is clear that our concern about this is shared by other member States.