§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the reasons advanced by the UK's EU partners for the maintenance of intervention in discussions on the Common Agricultural Policy. [37594]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 6 April 1998]: In discussions on the original Agenda 2000 proposals, the Agriculture Council agreed in November last year that maintaining the status quo in the CAP could lead to an increase in intervention stocks. In view of this, the Council called upon the European Commission to frame formal legislative proposals which would, amongst other things, reduce price-support measures. This would reduce the importance of intervention as a management tool, which is its main purpose.
The Commission's proposals for reform, which were presented to the Agriculture Council on 31 March, included cuts in the beef, cereal and dairy support prices and the abolition of intervention for the beef sector. While accepting the need for reduced price support, some Member States have argued that, without full compensation, some of these price reductions go too far.
§ Kali MountfordTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations his Department has made to the European Commission concerning reform of the CAP and the structural funds. [36566]
§ Mr. RookerProposals for the reform of the CAP were presented to the Agriculture Council by the European Commission on 31 March. The Government will progress discussion of these proposals as far as possible during the218W science research contracts allocated by his Department in 1997–98, broken down by length of contract, value of contract and institution securing the contract. [37965]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 6 April 1998]: The very extensive list of the food science research contracts allocated by the Department in 1997–98, broken down by length of contract, value of contract and institution securing the contract, has been placed in the Library of the House.