§ Mr. Kenneth Carlisleasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) which member states have publicly indicated their support for the proposal from the United Kingdom Government for amendments to the proposed Agricultural Structures Regulation COM(83) 559, in favour of conservation; and what conditions have been attached to this support;
(2) which member states have indicated their opposition to the proposal from the United Kingdom Government for 278W amendments to the proposed Agricultural Structures Regulation, COM (83) 559, in favour of conservation; and on what grounds such opposition has been raised.
§ Mr. JoplingThe United Kingdom's initiative has so far attracted neither outright opposition nor clear support. I believe this reflects the fact that we are among the leaders in recognising the importance of encouraging environmentally sound farming practices.
I shall continue to press our case at the next Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting on 25–26 February.