Vol. 559 No. 5
154 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the EU General and External Affairs Council will consider CAP reform; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by Oxfam in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26578/02]
The question of Common Agriculture Policy reform is a matter in the first instance for the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers, which is currently examining the Commission's mid-term review proposals. It is not envisaged that the issue of CAP reform will come before the General Affairs and External Relations Council for substantive discussion. The Government is aware of Oxfam's concerns in relation to the reform of the CAP, including issues regarding the treatment of agriculture in the ongoing global round of trade negotiations – the Doha Development Round – launched at the WTO Ministerial Conference in November 2001. In this regard, the EU is fully committed to recognising the need for special and differential treatment for developing countries.
