HL Deb 20 January 1998 vol 584 c234WA
Lord Alderdice

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to advance reform of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy during the period of the United Kingdom's presidency. [HL55]

Lord Donoughue

The European Commission is expected to present its proposals for further reform of the CAP in March. The Government will take forward discussion of these proposals in Council as far as possible during the UK presidency.

Lord Alderdice

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they will take to consult farmers throughout the United Kingdom about any planned reforms of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy. [HL56]

Lord Donoughue

The Government will seek the views of farming organisations and other interested parties on Commission proposals for CAP reform as soon as they have been published and at appropriate points in the subsequent Council negotiations.