HC Deb 18 March 2004 vol 419 cc501-2W
Mr. Wills

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) whether it is the Government's policy to secure progress in the World Trade talks by eliminating all agricultural export subsidies under the Common Agricultural Policy; and if she will make a statement; [161505]

(2) what assessment she has made of the impact on the World Trade talks of each of the options for reform of the Common Agricultural Policy sugar regime set out in the European Commission's working paper Reforming the European Union's sugar policy. [161506]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

The Government share the European Commission's own view that Option 1, involving extension of the present regime beyond 2006, is not sustainable. Options 2 and 3 both involve reductions in EU prices and production consistent with cuts in tariffs and export refunds which would send a positive message in the context of the current WTO round. The Government are, however, still considering which option represents the best way ahead, taking account of the range of interests involved, including the implications for developing countries.