HC Deb 24 May 2000 vol 350 cc553-4W
Mr. Casale

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Brussels on 16 to 17 May; and if he will make a statement. [122768]

Mr. Nick Brown

1. I represented the United Kingdom at the Agriculture Council in Brussels on 16 May.

2. The Council held a brief discussion of the Commission's proposal setting certain CAP prices and amounts for the 2000–01 marketing year, without reaching a conclusion. The Council will consider it further at its June meeting.

3. The Council discussed EU enlargement on the basis of a report from Commissioner Fischler on current preparations of the agriculture chapter. All Ministers stressed the importance they attached to making enlargement a success, recognising the key role of agriculture, including its veterinary, phytosanitary and food safety elements, in ensuring this. I welcomed the Commission's measured and methodical approach aimed at securing the opening of negotiations with the "Luxembourg Six" countries next month. Along with several other Ministers, I emphasised that a successful enlargement would require action not only by the applicant countries in aligning their legislation and administrative capacity with EU requirements, but also by the present EU in further adapting the CAP as provided for in the Agenda 2000 agreement of March 1999.

4. Under Other Business I supported the Swedish Minister's call for a discussion at next month's meeting on evidence gathered by Compassion in World Farming of unsatisfactory implementation of the welfare of animals in transport Directive, an issue I have previously raised myself in correspondence with the responsible Commissioner, David Byrne.

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