§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make it her policy to commence negotiations to withdraw the UK from the Common Agricultural Policy. [163531]
§ Alun MichaelNo. The Common Agricultural Policy is an integral part of the European Union's internal market. It would be bizarre to consider withdrawal at the point when we are achieving the reforms for which the UK has long argued. The changes will deliver a more rational CAP and we played a leading role in securing radical reforms last June. The reforms reflect our own goals for sustainable farming and will deliver better value for money to taxpayers and consumers, provide opportunities to boost farm incomes, bring benefits to the wider rural community, reduce damage to the environment and improve animal welfare.
As a result the reforms will bring benefits across the EU and to agricultural trade and development worldwide. The UK played a leading role in securing these reforms and we will continue to work within the EU for a more sustainable CAP.
1555W
§ Mr. Liddell-GraingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what help will be given to Exmoor farmers as a result of the mid-term Common Agricultural Policy reform. [161884]
§ Alun MichaelExmoor farmers, like all others, will benefit from decoupling of subsidies from production.
Some representations have been made to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State that the division of England into two regions; severely Disadvantaged Areas and land outside the SDA, might disadvantage some who farm within the SDA. As a result she has expressed her willingness to consider a small modification to the scheme to create a further region of moorland within the SDA if a case can be made that commands a broad consensus.