Written question asked by Geraldine Smith (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 January 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 31 January 2003. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Friday, 31 January 2003 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on the reform of CAP.

Answer: Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the reform of CAP. [92003] Mr. Morley: The Government welcomed publication on 22 January of the European Commission's formal legislative proposals for reform of the CAP. In particular, we were pleased to see formal proposals to break the link between subsidy and production (decoupling), which will give producers greater flexibility to exploit market opportunities. However, we have concerns with some elements of the proposals. For example, the proposed mechanism for transferring funds to support rural development is complex, would be hard to administer and would unfairly impact on larger farms; and we are disappointed at the proposed extension of milk quotas.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 92003; 398 c1076W;398 c1070W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Production Milk Reform Subsidies Common agricultural policy Quotas Rural development plans
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk