HC Deb 18 July 1985 vol 83 cc273-4W
8. Mr. Maclennan

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what conclusions he has reached about the operation of the common agricultural policy following this month's meeting of the Agriculture Council.

Mr. Jopling

I hope that the Commission's new paper "Perspectives for the Common Agricultural Policy" will lead to agreement on a more realistic and cost-effective policy.

13. Mr. Proctor

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he next expects to meet his European Economic Community counterparts to discuss further reform of the common agricultural policy; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Jopling

The Council of Ministers expects to have a first discussion of the Commission's recently published consultation paper in September.

25. Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the proposals on strict budgetary discipline of the common agricultural policy spending is planned to reduce in future years the current annual provision for the storage, dumping and distribution of food surpluses; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Fenner

The financial guideline for agriculture, which was adopted as part of the Council's conclusions on budget discipline, is designed to ensure that market support expenditure as a whole, including the cost of storing and disposing of surpluses, will grow more slowly than the Community's own resources base.

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