HL Deb 01 July 1996 vol 573 cc87-8WA
Lord Lyell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Luxembourg on 24th to 26th June.

Lord Lucas

My right honourable friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food represented the United Kingdom at this Council, accompanied by my noble friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Scottish Office. Following the decision by Heads of Government in Florence to increase the amount of financial aid for EU beef farmers affected by the current crisis, the Council unanimously allocated 850 mecu amongst member states for urgent income support measures. Of this, my right honourable friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food secured some £112 million for UK farmers which, at about 15.5 per cent. of the total sum, compares favourably with our 13.8 per cent. share of the EU beef cattle herd.

The Council discussed in detail the Commission's proposals to set CAP prices for 1996/97 and to reform the EU fruit and vegetable regimes. It reached no conclusion on these dossiers and will resume discussion on them at its July meeting. However, in order to avoid a legal hiatus, the Council unanimously adopted five regulations setting prices at the same levels as currently apply, in sectors where regulations are due to expire on 30th June.

At my right honourable friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food's request, the Agriculture Commissioner undertook an urgent review of the arrangements applying to malt export refunds and agreed to come forward with appropriate proposals in time for the 1996/97 export season to ensure stability and confidence in this important sector, taking account of the need for market balance and the EU's international commitments.

My right honourable friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food pressed the Commission and incoming Presidency for early progress on the proposals to improve the welfare of veal calves. He also supported a German request for urgent steps to be taken on the welfare of hens in battery cages.

The Council adopted by qualified majority (Germany and Sweden voting against) a proposal concerning the financing of veterinary inspections. It adopted by qualified majority, with Germany and Greece opposing, a proposal to reduce the entry price relating to imports of sour cherries. The Council also appointed Dr. Bail Kiewiet as President of the Community Plant Variety Office.