HC Deb 23 March 1999 vol 328 c224W
Mr. Drew

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the Next Steps Review of the Intervention Board. [78579]

Mr. Nick Brown

In accordance with the Government's policy on periodic reviews of executive agencies, Agricultural Ministers have agreed that the Intervention Board should commence a thorough evaluation of Agency status in March and produce a report in July 1999. In the light of ongoing issues such as devolution and the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, the reconsideration of the prior options element of the review has been deferred until March 2001.

In order to ensure that all matters are considered fully, comments regarding the performance of the Intervention Board since April 1993, which should be provided by 30 April 1999, would be welcomed from interested parties. The contact point at the Intervention Board for inquiries and correspondence is:

  • Mrs. A. K. Parker
  • Intervention Board
  • Kings House
  • Kings Road
  • Reading RGI 3BU.

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