HL Deb 29 October 1992 vol 539 cc108-9WA
Lord Mountevans

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held on 26th and 27th October.

Earl Howe

My right honourable friend the Minister chaired the meeting of the Council of Agriculture Ministers in Luxembourg on 26th/27th October. My honourable friends the Minister of State in the department and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Scottish Office represented the UK.

Following a short discussion on GATT, the Minister confirmed on behalf of the Community that the Commission should attempt urgently to seek an accommodation with the United States on the Uruguay Round and the oilseeds dispute following the mandates already given by the Council and using the Commission's powers under the Treaty of Rome. It is understood talks will resume shortly.

Progress was made on a wide range of other issues dealing with the implementation of CAP reform and of the Single Market. Decisions will be needed on these before the end of the year.