The Under-Secretary of State responsible for the natural and marine environment, wildlife and rural affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Ogmore (Huw Irranca-Davies), will represent the United Kingdom at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels from 14 to16 December.

There are a number of items on the agenda relating to agriculture and fisheries which are of significant interest to the United Kingdom, including the adoption of the recent dairy proposals, on which the UK will abstain. Discussions will take place on the following:

Conservation of fisheries resources through technical measures.

EU/Norway annual fisheries consultations for 2010.

2010 fishing opportunities for fish stocks in the Black sea.

Simplification of the common agricultural policy.

Future of the common agricultural policy: rural development.

There are currently two items under any other business—a statement on Community action reducing incidental catches of seabirds; and general conclusions from the 26th conference of EU paying agencies.

There is also a ministerial lunch scheduled to discuss the reform of the common fisheries policy.