§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the outcome was of the Agriculture Council held in Brussels on 19 and 20 December; and if he will make a statement. [144176]
§ Mr. Nick Brown1. I represented the United Kingdom at the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers held in Brussels on 19 December.
2. The Council held an open debate on the Commission's proposal establishing a framework for European food law and a European Food Authority. This received a broadly encouraging response from Ministers present. On the basis of Food Standards Agency advice, I welcomed the proposed establishment of a European Food Authority, which we would like to see progressed as quickly as possible. A firm commitment to consumer protection will guide the UK in discussions on the detail of the proposal.
3. The Council unanimously agreed a common position on a proposal laying down rules for the prevention and control of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. This creates a comprehensive framework for all the EU's TSE protection measures and provides a firm basis for future EU-wide action in this area.
454W4. A proposal to amend the CAP bananas regime to bring it into line with World Trade Organisation rules was adopted by qualified majority. This provides for a transitional tariff quota regime for banana imports, leading to a tariff only system from 2006, with the Commission authorised to adopt implementing measures to manage the tariff-quota. I voted against the measure on the grounds that neither would it end the current trade dispute nor was it evident that the implementing provisions would ensure the continued viability of the Caribbean banana export industries.
5. The Council also discussed the CAP sugar regime. I strongly supported the Commission's proposal to extend the current regime for only two years, to permit a substantial reform to take place in 2002, although many countries expressed a preference for a five year prolongation of the status quo. Negotiations will continue under the Swedish Presidency.
6. Under "Other Business", I raised the problems which recent flooding was causing for many UK farmers, notably flax and hemp producers who were unable to harvest their crops and were therefore, under existing rules, ineligible for CAP aids. Both the Presidency and Commissioner Fischler expressed sympathy with their plight. The Commissioner undertook to propose measures to the Management Committee to alleviate the problems concerning their eligibility for aid.
7. The Council also agreed by qualified majority (Germany voting against) new rules governing the labelling of eggs, including a requirement to inform consumers of the husbandry system under which the eggs were produced.