asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will be consulting the farming industry on the proposals to implement the discretionary aspects of the reformed Common Agricultural Policy. [HL3911]

The reform of the CAP decided at the Berlin European Council introduced a number of policy areas where member states were given discretion as to whether and/or how they would be applied. In the information notes my right honourable friend the Minister circulated to the farming industry and other interested parties following that agreement he undertook to consult widely on the Government's plans in relation to these areas of discretion. He made clear that these plans would be set in the context of an overall strategy for agriculture which takes into account the need for a competitive, flexible and environmentally friendly industry which is responsive to consumer wishes and which contributes to the social and economic strengths of rural areas.My right honourable friend intends accordingly to write to interested parties, including farming industry representatives, in the coming weeks setting out my ideas for such a strategy and how the discretionary aspects of the reformed CAP should be applied in this country to help set a new direction for the industry. The department will also be conducting a series of regional consultations. Copies of the consultation documents will be placed in the Library of the House. We will consider responses carefully and announce final decisions during the autumn.Comparable action is being taken in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.