Future of Farming and Food Report

HC Deb 31 January 2003 vol 398 cc1073-4W

Andrew George

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to review the recommendations laid out in the Report on the Future of Farming and Food and her Department's response to it in the light of the recent proposals for common agricultural policy reform. [93742]

Mr. Morley

[holding answer 29 January 2003]: The European Commission's proposals for reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP), published on 22 January 2003, are based closely on proposals in their discussion document of 10 July 2002. Therefore, we see no need to review the Government response to the independent Policy Commission, published alongside the Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food for England on 12 December 2002.

The Commission's proposals are a positive step towards reform and will benefit farming. The Government will engage positively in negotiations, working to ensure a fair package for the UK.