HL Deb 07 May 1985 vol 463 cc645-6WA
Lord Sandys

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the outcome of the Council of Agriculture Ministers' meeting beginning on 2nd May; and whether they will make a statement.

The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Lord Belstead)

My right honourable friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and my honourable friend the Minister of State represented the United Kingdom at the Council of Agriculture Ministers in Luxembourg from 2nd to 5th May. The main subject of the Council was the Commission's price proposals for 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 orginal proposals should be made and the Council will resume discussion on Monday 13th 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 19th May.