§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the reforms to the CAP(a) made since May 1977 and (b) that Her Majesty's Government are proposing. [7297]
§ Mr. Morley(a) The formal objectives of the CAP have remained as laid down in the treaty of Rome in 1957. However, while the treaty provisions supporting the CAP have remained substantially unchanged, the policy itself has evolved and developed over recent years. This has been particularly so during the period since the mid 1980s—when it was evident that agricultural production in a number of major sectors (cereals, milk, beef, wine) was running well ahead of consumption and export opportunities. This gave rise to structural surpluses and budgetary pressures. The principal adjustments to this policy since 1997 include:
intelligence, efficient procedures to control the entry of people and materials into the UK, and the means to respond effectively to incidents. Contingency plans are maintained by the Government to minimise the consequences in the event of an attack.
All food for sale, whether it is produced in the UK or in other countries, must meet the necessarily high standards of hygiene and safety required to protect public health. Imports of food not of animal origin such as fruit and vegetables from countries outside the EU are subject to UK checks by local food authorities based on an assessment of the risk to health at the point of import.
All products of animal origin imported into the UK from third countries must enter at designated UK Border Inspection Posts (BIPs) where they are subject to veterinary inspections. Consignments are subject to documentary and identity checks and may also be subject to physical checks. These ensure import conditions are met and that the products remain in a satisfactory condition during transport.