Common Agricultural Policy

15.

Mr. Costain
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the EEC Council of Ministers meeting on 4th March 1975 concerned with the stocktaking of the common agricultural policy.

20.

Mr. Cryer
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he  will report on his most recent consultations in Brussels.

21.

Mr. Guy Barnett
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on plans to streamline the common agricultural policy announced by the EEC on 4th March.

Mr. Pearl
The Commission published its report on the stocktaking of the common agricultural policy on 27th February and it was the subject of a preliminary discussion at the Council of Ministers meeting on 4th March. The report provides a valuable basis for further discussion aimed at improving the working of the CAP. The council will resume its consideration of the report at its next meeting.

30.

Mr. Gould
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether major changes in the common agricultural policy remain one of the objectives in EEC renegotiations.

52. Mr. Jay
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the current review of the common agricultural policy of the EEC forms part of the renegotiation now being conducted by the Government.

Mr. Pearl
No. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has made clear, our discussions on renegotiation have now been taken as far as they can go. I shall, however, continue to seek further improvements in the CAP as part of the Community's ongoing business.

38.

Mr. William Hamilton
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the progress made to date on the EEC renegotiations on matters within his responsibility.

40.

Mr. Roy Hughes
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress is being made in the fundamental renegotiation of the common agricultural policy.

Mr. Pearl
In our renegotiation statements we sought certain changes in the operation and mechanisms of the CAP. These have largely been secured.