HC Deb 28 February 2000 vol 345 c52W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy to encourage the EU to make progress towards the elimination of subsidies on exports in relation to the forthcoming round of WTO agriculture negotiations. [110963]

Mr. Caborn

The Government support further liberalisation of agricultural trade in the WTO. This is firmly linked to further reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, where the Government support the phasing out of all forms of production-related support, including export subsidies, accompanied by targeted measures to conserve and enhance the rural environment and promote the rural economy.

However, although negotiations on agriculture are getting under way as part of the built-in agenda, progress is likely to be slow outside a Round. The Government therefore remain committed to launching a new comprehensive Round of trade negotiations, including agriculture, as soon as possible.