§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had with EU Farm Ministers about capping; what steps she is taking to increase the capping levels for UK farms; and if she will make a statement. [79233]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 4 November 2002]: We have made our position on capping of direct payments clear whenever this has been discussed at the Agriculture Council or at meetings of officials preparing for the council. We oppose capping of these payments in principle and have not taken any steps to modify the proposal by altering the levels at which capping would apply.