Vol. 567 No. 3
37 Mr. English asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions he has had since 1 April 2003, with Commissioner Fischler with respect to his mid-term reform proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13917/03]
The Commissions proposals for reform of the Common Agricultural Policy were discussed at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Luxembourg on 8 April, which Commissioner Fischler attended. I also discussed the proposals informally with the Commissioner in the margins of the Informal Meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers in Corfu on 10-13 May and also with a number of ministerial colleagues in the Council. The negotiations on the Commissions proposals will continue at the Council meetings on 26-27 May and 11-12 June when, subject to advance receipt of the opinion of the European Parliament, the Presidency aims to seek agreement. Detailed analysis is continuing at various working groups and also at a specially constituted high level group.
