§ Sir Ralph HowellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Brussels on 18 and 19 November; and if he will make a statement. [5466]
§ Mr. Douglas HoggI represented the United Kingdom at the Agriculture Council in Brussels on 18 November, accompanied by my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Scottish Office. The Council formally adopted the legislative text giving effect to changes in the EU beef regime agreed in principle at the Council in October. Germany maintained its negative vote.
The Council had a first discussion of proposals for a system identification and registration of bovine animals, together with a linked proposal on the labelling of beef and beef products. I urged the Council to proceed quickly with a technical examination of the proposal on identification and registration so as to reach early conclusions and so facilitate the work on a computerised cattle traceability system already begun in the United Kingdom. I welcomed efforts to improve information about beef and beef products for consumers, but cautioned against placing heavy bureaucratic burdens on small operators. I also took the opportunity of this Council meeting to report on the progress made in the United Kingdom on BSE eradication and in particular in meeting the pre-conditions laid down in the June Florence agreement.
The Council had general debates on proposals for amendments to EU support arrangements for durum wheat, and for a common organisation of the market in potatoes. On the latter, I indicated the UK Government's readiness to support a genuinely lightweight EU regime. The Council also drew up a declaration urging progress on establishing a European agency for veterinary and phytosanitary inspection.
On animal welfare issues, I joined my German and Swedish colleagues in pressing the Commission to bring forward its review and proposals on battery cages for laying hens, and proposals on staging posts and vehicle standards for the protection of animals during transport. I also urged the Commission to ensure the proper implementation of Commission decision 96/239 regarding consignments of beef and beef products made from material not originating in the United Kingdom.
The presidency and the Agriculture Commissioner reported to the Council on the conference on rural development which the presidency had hosted in Cork on 562W 7 to 9 November. I welcomed the impetus which the Cork conference conclusions would give to further thinking on rural development policy and the evolution of the common agricultural policy, especially in view of the need to adjust that policy to take account of international trade pressures and the prospect of EU enlargement.