HC Deb 02 July 1998 vol 315 cc277-8W
13. Mr. Evans

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has recently had concerning proposals for CAP reform. [47169]

Dr. John Cunningham

As President of the EU Agriculture Council, I chaired on 2 June a seminar on environmental and consumer aspects of the CAP. On 22–25 June, I chaired the Agriculture Council which reached decisions on reforms to the olive oil, tobacco and the banana regimes. More generally, we have succeeded in successive Councils under the UK Presidency in mapping out a clear way forward on the Commission's wider Agenda 2000 proposals on CAP reform. Unanimous conclusions to this effect were agreed in May and endorsed by the Cardiff European Council.

14. Mr. Leigh

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the role of set aside in a reformed CAP. [47170]

Mr. Morley

The Government wish to see compulsory set-aside abolished as a means of controlling cereals production. However, we can support the continuation of voluntary set-aside, which can have environmental advantages.

17. Mr. David Taylor

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he next expects to meet farmers in north-west Leicestershire to discuss the progress achieved in CAP reform. [47174]

Mr. Morley

I have no plans at present to visit north-west Leicestershire.

I regularly meet farmers' representatives from the regions to discuss all aspects of agricultural policy.

23. Mr. Borrow

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the progress made at the Agriculture Council on 25 and 26 May with regard to the reform of the common agricultural policy. [47180]

Mr. Rooker

The May Council agreed interim conclusions on the Commission's Agenda 2000 reform proposals which recognised the need for reform and set out the framework for the continuing negotiations.

Mrs. Organ

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the outcome of the 26 May Council in respect of CAP reform and Agenda 2000. [47166]

Dr. John Cunningham

The May Council adopted interim conclusions on the Agenda 2000 proposals which accepted the need for CAP reform and set out the framework for the continuing negotiations on the Commission's proposals.

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