§ 30. Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in achieving reforms in the common agricultural policy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregorSignificant progress was made at the 1984 CAP price fixing towards containing the costs of the CAP by reducing common prices on average and by establishing a quota regime for milk at a level well below then current production. This progress was consolidated in December by the agreement on a financial guideline designed to control the growth of Community agricultural expenditure. Also in December the European Council agreed a framework for reform of the Community's wine regime.
We shall continue to press in the Community the need for sustained price restraint, including the effective application of guarantee thresholds as the best means of containing CAP costs and bringing about a better balance of supply and demand. We shall press for the effective application of the financial guideline for agriculture. At the same time we are determined to ensure that the measures taken should not discriminate against United Kindom interests.
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§ 33. Mr. Deakinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the European Economic Council of Agriculture Ministers plans to discuss the agreed financial guidelines in relation to 1985 common agricultural policy expenditure.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe financial guidline for agriculture will first apply to decisions taken in 1985 as they affect expenditure in 1986.