Mr. ThompsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the meeting of the Agriculture Council on 21 and 22 May; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Curry[pursuant to the reply, 3 June 1991, c. 38]: I represented the United Kingdom at this meeting.
Agreement was reached in principle on instruments concerning health rules for the marketing of molluscs and of fishery products, veterinary checks on animals entering the Community from third countries, health conditions for trade in poultrymeat and safety standards for the use of pesticides on plants. In addition significant progress was made on a draft regulation on health rules for the marketing of fresh meat. All these constitute useful and significant steps towards the establishment of the single market.
The Council had a first discussion of two proposals on food quality. I made it clear that the United Kingdom had serious doubts as to the usefulness of these proposals; and that major changes would be needed if they were to secure our support.
528WRegiment have been released on licence in each of the last 10 years, indicating, in each case, the number of years actually served in prison.
§ Dr. Mawhinney[holding answer 26 June 1991]: The information is as follows:
I made it clear that the United Kingdom expected satisfactory arrangements to be introduced to protect Community (notably Scottish) producers of soft fruit from exceptionally low-priced imports from eastern Europe when the present special controls expire on 31 July.