§ Mr. AncramTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the Government's policy on the European Commission's proposals on the mid-term review of the common agricultural policy. [75960]
§ Mr. MorleyI welcome the European Commission's proposals for reform of the CAP which are a good basis for discussion. The Government supports the proposed shift in support from production-linked payments to918W wider agri-environment and rural development measures as well as the proposal to remove the link between production and support. In a number of key areas we would have liked the proposals to go further, notably by offering real budgetary savings and firm proposals for reform of the dairy regime. We will need to ensure that the reforms offer a fair deal for UK producers.
§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress she expects on reform of the Common Agricultural Policy as a result of the mid-term review; and if she will make a statement. [75248]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 23 October 2002]Formal legislative proposals for reform of the Common Agricultural Policy are not expected until December at the earliest. Negotiations will therefore continue into 2003. It is too early to say what the outcome of discussions will be, but the UK will continue to argue that reform is essential if we are to meet our domestic objectives and international obligations.