Vol. 498 No. 5
81 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has considered the effect of the Common Agricultural Policy on the canning industry in South Africa's Western Cape; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27760/98]
The European Union and South Africa are both members of the World Trade Organisation and, as such, are bound by its agreements and rules on trade. The EU support regime for canned products has been part of EU agricultural policy for many years and is permissible under WTO rules.
The EU and South Africa have been negotiating a trade and co-operation agreement since 1995. The negotiations are being conducted on the EU side by the European Commission in accordance with the negotiating mandate adopted by the Council of Ministers in June 1995 and amended by the council in March 1996.
I support the conclusion of an agreement between the EU and South Africa in accordance with the Council's negotiating mandate.
