Mr. Andy StewartTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Agriculture Council held on 2 and 3 March.
§ Mr. GummerI represented the United Kingdom at this meeting of the Council accompanied by my hon. Friend the Member for Skipton and Ripon (Mr. Curry) Parliamentary Secretary in my Department.
Discussion concentrated on the proposals for reform of the CAP. The presidency presented a new compromise document which was, however, seriously questioned by most delegations, among them the United Kingdom. After an initial table round the President concluded that a satisfactory basis for continuing negotiations at this 188W meeting did not exist. Discussions will continue at official level and the President suggested the Council might come back to this dossier at its next meeting on 30–31 March.
In an informal joint meeting with trade ministers consideration was given to draft schedules on agricultural support and protection, drawn up by the Commission for submission in Geneva as a Community contribution to the current GATT negotiations. The Commission said that it would probably submit these schedules later this week, taking account of points made in discussion.