Mr. McLouglinTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Agriculture Council in Brussels which commenced on 12 December; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregorI attended the Agriculture Council which commenced on Monday, 12 December. Decisions were reached on a number of issues. The most important was a decision, subject to consulting the European Parliament, on the long running and difficult negotiations to define the production and minimum strength rules for spirit drinks. The outcome was particularly satisfactory for the United Kingdom, in that it fully safeguarded our major interest in Scotch whisky, gin and vodka.
Although the meeting continued late on Monday and Tuesday, and overnight on Wednesday, it was not possible to reach agreement on a large number of other issues on the agenda. The Council was consequently adjourned to Monday 19 December when a further attempt will be made to reach conclusions on all the outstanding issues.