Common Agricultural Policy (Hansard, 16 November 2001)

HC Deb 16 November 2001 vol 374 cc981-2W 981W

§ Mrs. Ann Winterton
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the principal changes her Department is seeking on reform of the common agricultural policy. [12812]

§ Mr. Morley
The CAP needs further reform to deliver better outputs for our farmers, consumers and taxpayers. The Government are committed to striving to secure a more economically rational CAP, and one which is sustainable in relation to the countryside environment and rural economy. In particular, the Government want to see market price support and production controls phased out, with transitional support payments to help farmers to adjust. This should be complemented by a shift towards
982W

§ Mr. Morley
The volume and value of UK potato production and the percentage of crop area in England used for potato production are given in the table.
the "second pillar" of the CAP, expanding the resources available for targeted support for rural development and agri-environment schemes.