To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the common agricultural policy prior to the 13 May 2008; and if he will make a statement. (207220)

[holding answer 22 May 2008]: It is long established practice under successive Governments that information relating to discussions between Ministers is not normally disclosed. The Government’s position on the common agricultural policy was set out in the joint DEFRA/Treasury vision paper published in December 2005.