Common Agricultural Policy

HC Deb 10 January 1990 vol 164 cc638-9W

Mr. Canavan

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the operation of the common agricultural policy.

Mr. Curry

The United Kingdom Government have for many years insisted on the need to take action to reform the common agricultural policy (CAP), and I am glad to say that considerable progress has been made.

Of particular importance were the measures agreed at the February 1988 European Council, introducing a legally binding limit on agricultural expenditure and stabiliser mechanisms for the main commodities. The Government's policy is to build on these reforms which are creating a more rational and sustainable CAP, and to pursue agricultural policy reforms internationally through the GATT.