HC Deb 16 December 1999 vol 341 cc285-6W
Mr. Yeo

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the dates since 1 August on which he(a) met and (b) spoke by telephone with the French Minister of Agriculture. [102805]

Mr. Nick Brown

I(a) personally met the French Agriculture Minister on 14 September, 2 November, 15 November and 14 December, and (b) spoke to him by telephone directly on a number of occasions. There have also been a large number of contacts between officials acting on our behalf.

Mr. Yeo

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food at what times between 10 pm on 8 December

Mr. Nick Brown

[holding answer 13 December 1999]: Proposed expenditure under the England Rural Development Plan, subject to European Commission approval, and the Government's 2000 Spending Review is as follows:

and 12.30 pm on 9 December he discussed with the Prime Minister the French Government's decision to maintain their ban on the import of British beef. [102806]

Mr. Nick Brown

I am in regular contact with my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.