§ Lord Harlechasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the result of the consultation paper on a proposal to establish a Potato Industry Development Council for Great Britain.
Lord LucasOur industry-wide consultation revealed overwhelming support for such a body. Therefore, my right honourable friend the Minister of Agriculture, 131WA Fisheries and Food together with my right honourable friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales have decided to set up a Potato Industry Development Council for Great Britain.
The Council will be responsible for:
- commissioning or assisting research and development;
- the collection and dissemination of statistical information;
- promotion, including the development of exports; and
- promoting standard products and better defining trade descriptions and consistency in their use.
The council will be funded by a dual statutory levy—an area levy on growers and a tonnage contribution charged at the first point of sale and paid by those purchasing potatoes.
It is our intention that the order establishing the council, which will be made under the Industrial Organisation and Development Act 1947, will be laid before Parliament later this year.