§ Mr. DunnTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Brussels on 22 and 23 January; and if he will make a statement. [11850]
§ Mr. Douglas HoggNo decisions were taken at this short meeting. The only substantial item was a further discussion of the Commission's proposals for changes to the arrangements for bananas. The Commissioner expressed his intention of making some additional proposals with a view to securing agreement: but member states' views remain deeply divided. I underlined the need to protect the interests of the African, Caribbean and Pacific suppliers of bananas, in line with the Community's commitments.
The presidency held a dinner at which there was "informal" discussion of the use of hormones for fattening beef cattle, in the light of the scientific conference organised by the Commission last year.
During the Council, I took the opportunity to question the Commissioner about his promised proposals on the welfare of calves reared for veal. He said he expected to be able to table these very shortly.