§ 14. Mr. Bill O'BrienTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has for the reform of the common agricultural policy in relation to farmers' incomes; and if he will make a statement. [155691]
§ Ms QuinFarm incomes have been seriously depressed latterly, principally as a result of the weakness of the Euro against sterling, low world commodity prices, the impact of BSE and now the outbreak of foot and mouth disease. There are also longstanding structural weaknesses in the agricultural sector arising from the tradition of production-based subsidies under the Common Agricultural Policy. That is why the Government are firmly committed to securing further reform.