Vol. 514 No. 6
105 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his views on whether prices for agricultural produce within the EU will fall if the forthcoming talks by the World Trade Organisation result in the further liberalisation of world trade and, in particular, increased access to European markets by third countries. [5037/00]
On 27 September 1999, the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers, in establishing the negotiating mandate for the European Commission for the WTO negotiations, reiterated the decision of the European Council in Berlin in March 1999 that the Agenda 2000 results would constitute essential elements of the EU's position for the negotiations. I will be working to ensure that that negotiating stance is upheld and on that basis, the Agenda 2000 price levels should be maintained.
