§ Dr. NaysmithTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are his principal objectives with regard to the forthcoming negotiations on the World Trade Organisation's Agreement on Agriculture; and if he will make a statement. [63492]
§ Mr. RookerWorld Trade Organisation negotiations on agriculture are due to start in January 2000. We expect them to cover the same broad framework as the last negotiations (in the Uruguay Round), focusing on further improvements in import access for agricultural products; further cuts in subsidised exports; and reductions in domestic support to agriculture. We want these negotiations to be part of a comprehensive, time-limited round of trade liberalisation negotiations.
The European Commission will participate in the negotiations on behalf of the EU. We will therefore work to ensure that UK interests are properly taken into account. The negotiations will be an important opportunity for further liberalisation of agricultural trade in line with the UK's objectives on reform of the CAP. These are to phase out productions support over a period in order to reduce substantially the costs of the CAP to consumers and taxpayers, to encourage the development of a viable and sustainable farming industry which is capable of competing without ongoing production support, and to conserve and enhance the rural environment and promote the rural economy through targeted measures.