asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the implications of the current round of GATT negotiations for the Common Agricultural Policy; and the proposals, if any, he has for the implementation of the Punta Del Este declaration.
Written Answers. - GATT/CAP Implications.
68.
The current round of GATT negotiations covers international trade relations in all sectors including agriculture. The aim in relation to agriculture, as set out in the Punta Del Este Declaration of September 1986, is the greater liberalisation of agricultural trade through the improvement of market access and the introduction of increased disciplines on the use of all subsidies. These objectives were reaffirmed at the mid-term review in April of this year when contracting parties agreed to the long term aim of substantially reducing support and protection levels and of ensuring that agricultural policies are made more responsive to market signals. Notwithstanding this agreement some contracting parties are pressing for the full liberalisation of agriculture trade including the abolition of all trade subsidies.
The Deputy can be assured that I am in close touch with all the developments in the GATT Uruguay Round. The Community's attitude, which I endorse, is that while the EC are willing to participate in negotiations leading to greater freedom of trade the fundamental principles of CAP are not negotiable. My principal aims are to ensure that the Community gets credit for past reforms, that there are balanced commitments from all parties, and that the Community can continue to support farming and rural areas generally. It is much too early to predict the outcome of the GATT negotiations but it is certain that new disciplines and constraints on agricultural supports will result.
Nevertheless, I believe that the final agreement will ensure greater price and supply stability on international markets, thus allowing our producers and traders to exploit the opportunities available to them in a more liberalised and stable trading system.
The Commission is presently preparing a substantive paper on its long term approach to the negotiations. At the request of a number of Ministers, including myself, the Council of Agricultural Minister is expected to discuss the agricultural aspects of the paper on the 11/12 December. I will, of course, be expressing the views outlined above and will endeavour to ensure that our interests are safeguarded.