HC Deb 29 June 2000 vol 352 c609W
6. Mr. Chaytor

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to encourage farmers markets. [127036]

13. Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to promote and encourage the development of farmers markets. [127042]

Ms Quin

My right hon. Friend the Minister attended the launch of the National Association of Farmers Markets as well as a number of individual farmers markets. He also wrote to the leaders of all local authorities drawing their attention to the new association and the benefits which farmers markets can bring. The National Association of Farmers Markets was offered a grant under the first round of the agricultural development scheme. For the future, we are considering bids under the 2nd round of the ADS and farmers markets will be potentially eligible for financial support under the provisions of the England rural development plan.

23. Mr. Plaskitt

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met with the National Association of Farmers Markets to discuss the farmers market movement. [127054]

Ms Quin

My right hon. Friend the Minister met the National Association of Farmers Markets at their launch on 25 May.

26. Mr. Ronnie Campbell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the number of farmers markets in the UK. [127057]

Ms Quin

The National Association of Farmers Markets has recently estimated that there are now over 200 farmers markets in regular operation across the country.