HC Deb 03 April 1985 vol 76 c610W
Sir Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Council of Agriculture Ministers' meeting in Luxembourg on 1 and 2 April; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Jopling

With my hon. Friend the Minister of State, I represented the United Kingdom at the Council of Agriculture ministers in Luxembourg on 1 and 2 April. The main subject of the Council was the Commission's price proposals for 1985–86.

It became evident that it would not be possible to reconcile the divergent views of member states on appropriate price levels and related issues at this Council. The Presidency undertook to explore with the Commission the scope for compromise and the Council decided to resume work on the morning of 22 April.

The Council also decided that the marketing years for milk products, beef, sheepmeat and dried fodder should be extended until 28 April.