§ Mr. BrazierTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Brussels on 14 November; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe only decision taken at this Council, at which I represented the United Kingdom, was the adoption by a qualified majority of a measure laying down rules on the definition and designation of butter, margarine and similar spreads. I voted against the measure, on the grounds that it was unnecessary, likely to confuse rather than inform consumers and, through its requirements on the use of designations, liable to inhibit the development of low-fat spreads. Luxembourg also voted against.
The Council had a general discussion of the Commission's proposals for implementing the agricultural aspects of the Uruguay round settlement, and a further discussion of the Commission's proposals for reforming the wine regime.