§ Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgateasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Brussels on 19 and 20 July. [HL3875]
§ Lord DonoughueMy right honourable friend the Minister represented the United Kingdom at a meeting of the European Union Agriculture Council in Brussels on 19 July.
The Council received a report from Commissioner Fischler on the Commission's plans to reform Community feedingstuffs legislation following the dioxin contamination in Belgium. My right honourable friend the Minister welcomed this report and indicated my preparedness to support measures that were effective, proportionate and enforceable in dealing with potential health problems.
A Decision to update the rules on the processing of animal waste to protect against transmissible spongiform encephalopathies was agreed by qualified majority. An extension of certain deadlines under the Zoonoses Directive was agreed by qualified majority.
The Council held a preliminary discussion on a proposal to promote and provide information on EU agricultural products in third countries. The Council agreed to decide on the proposal once further technical work had been completed.