Mr. Andy Stewartasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Council of Agriculture Ministers' meeting beginning on 2 May; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JoplingWith my hon. Friend, the Minister of State, I represented the United Kingdom at the Council of Agriculture Ministers in Luxembourg from 2 to 5 May. The main subject of the Council was the Commission's price proposals or 1985–86.
After three days of discussion it became evident that it would not be possible to reconcile the divergent views of member states at this Council.
In the light of the discussion the Commission is considering whether any amendments to its original proposals should be made and the Council will resume discussion on Monday 13 May in Brussels.
The Council decided that the marketing years for milk products, beef and veal, sheepmeat, dried fodder and cauliflowers should be extended until 19 May.