§ 10. Mr. Greenwayasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made by Food from Britain since his recent announcement of its creation.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerAs I informed the House on 8 June, I shall seek to introduce the necessary legislation to transform the Central Council for Agricultural and Horticultural Co-operation into the new marketing organisation, Food from Britain, as soon as possible. Meanwhile, those invited to serve on Food from Britain have begun preparing its marketing strategy and formulating plans for joint marketing initiatives to promote British food and fresh produce at home and abroad.
§ Mr. GreenwayIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that food processing companies will gain the full benefit of this campaign for their exports?
§ Mr. WalkerYes, Sir. Indeed, food manufacturers and processors have warmly welcomed this initiative. The food industry has guaranteed its full co-operation and agreed that its export efforts should be incorporated in it.
§ Mr. FreudI welcome the concept of Food from Britain, but will the Minister also consider food from the regions? Is the rig at hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable regional excellence? With offices in the regions, this should not be beyond his Department's capabilities.
§ Mr. WalkerNo, Sir. I know that the hon. Gentleman has a keen interest in this topic. I agree that there is much promotion to be done on food from our regions.
§ Mr. SpellerWill my right hon. Friend do his best to ensure that the livestock marketing, meat processing and packaging industries, which are an integral part of the whole concept, are given ail possible support in these troubled times?
§ Mr. WalkerWe shall be giving this topic similar attention. As my hon. Friend knows, one of the members of the new council will be the chariman of the Meat and Livestock Commission.