§ Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received to request the European Union to give Protected Geographical Indicator (PGI) status to the Colchester oyster; what action she has taken to secure PGI status; and if she will make a statement. [187972]
§ Mr. BradshawAn application to register Colchester Oyster as a Protected Geographical Indication under the EU Protected Food Name scheme was received earlier this year. Officials have assessed the application against the scheme criteria and ate now finalising the application in consultation with the applicant group. The next step will be to consult formally other interested parties within the UK. Subject to the findings of that consultation process, the application will be submitted to the European Commission to consider.