§ 55. Mr. MichaelTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met European Community Agriculture Ministers to discuss common agricultural policy.
§ Mr. MacGregorI last met European Community Agriculture Ministers at the 6–7 March Agriculture Council in Brussels on which I reported to the House on 9 March at columns621–2.
§ 58. Mr. BoswellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to reduce de facto discrimination against British producers within the European common agricultural policy.
§ Mr. MacGregorI have always argued that measures adopted by the European Community should be non-discriminatory, and that the burden of CAP reform should be borne equally by all member states. In current negotiations on the Commission's 1989 price proposals I am opposing two measures which would disadvantage United Kingdom producers; the preferential treatment proposed in the agrimonetary arrangements for member states which are members of the exchange rate mechanism; and the proposed timetable for tightening the definition of double-low rapeseed which I believe should be delayed until there are varieties available to our growers which will meet the new definition. The review of the sheepmeat regime and operation of coresponsibility levies are among the other areas where I shall be particularly vigilant to ensure equitable implementation throughout the Community.