HC Deb 20 June 1996 vol 279 c616W
15. Sir Sydney Chapman

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will report progress on reforming the community agricultural policy; and what further initiatives he intends to take. [32377]

Sir Roger Moate

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what mechanisms are in place for taking forward proposals for fundamental reform of the common agricultural policy; when he expects there to be substantial negotiations about reform; and what is his target date for achieving such reforms. [33247]

Mr. Baldry

This Government very much welcome the Commission's acknowledgement that the CAP cannot remain as it is. At the Prime Minister's insistence, the Madrid European Council requested the Commission to come forward with more detailed ideas for reform and I expect to see these during the course of the year. Meanwhile, the Agriculture Council next week will address reform of the fruit and vegetables regimes.