§ Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her timetable is for reform of the Common Agricultural Policy to reflect environmental concerns more closely; and if she will make a statement. [3987]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 13 July 2001]: We expect the European Commission to table proposals to the Agriculture Council for discussion next summer. The timing of those negotiations will be the responsibility of 172W the member states holding the presidency at the time, which will be Spain for the period up to June 2002 and then Denmark.
We are committed to CAP reform and want to reduce the overall burden of the CAP, to secure a closer alignment between EU and world prices and to re-focus support on measures benefiting the rural economy and the environment.