§ Lord Evans of Parksideasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Brussels on 15 and 16 November. [HL32]
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Baroness Hayman)The Council unanimously adopted a strategy on environmental integration and sustainable development in the Common Agricultural Policy, in response to an initiative begun in the United Kingdom Presidency in 1998. It also unanimously adopted (Germany abstaining) measures to promote and provide information on Community agricultural products in third countries.
The Council heard Commissioner Fischler introduce proposed regulations covering a Community compulsory beef labelling regime, reform of the flax and hemp regime and revisions to the 8WA bananas regime to bring it into line with WTO rules. Commissioner Byrne updated the Council on progress on dealing with the recent dioxin crisis, including his plans to improve the controls of feed.
Under other business, my right honourable friend the Minister outlined the United Kingdom's strategy for dealing with tuberculosis in cattle and urged other member states to support the United Kingdom's position when this is discussed within the Bern Convention Standing Committee later this month.