§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what consideration was given to introducing the common agricultural policy reforms over more than one year; and if he will make a statement;
(2) when more information about the detail of the common agricultural policy reforms will be made available to farmers;
(3) what representations he has received about the speed of the common agricultural policy reforms.
§ Mr. CurryThe Ministry is in regular contact with representatives of consumer, farming and environmental organisations to discuss all aspects of the common agricultural policy reforms, which are being phased in over a four-year period. An explanatory booklet on the arable 685W scheme was sent to farmers at the beginning of September; a copy was placed in the Library of the House. Discussion of detailed rules for the reformed beef and sheepmeat regimes is still continuing; farmers will be given information on these as soon as it is available.