§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure the removal of the subsidy provided to tobacco farmers in Europe. [65705]
§ Mr. RookerThe Government strongly disapprove of the Common Agricultural Policy support regime for tobacco and would like to see an end to it. We believe that the Community should progressively disengage from support for tobacco production, on grounds of health and cost. Following the reform of the regime agreed in June last year we continue to press for further amendments. However, such further reform would require the support of a qualified majority in the Agriculture Council.