HC Deb 18 July 1972 vol 841 cc60-1W
27. Mr. Strang

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why he has not sited the main office of the Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce in a development area, in view of the Government's policy to disperse Civil Service jobs to areas of high unemployment.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

I would refer the hon. Member to the explanation my right hon. Friend gave in the course of the debate on Clause 6 of the European Communities Bill on 22nd June of the reasons which led us to site the board's main office in Reading.—[Vol. 839, c. 773.]

31. Mr. Nicholas Edwards

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to be able to announce the minimum size of parcels of commodities which will be accepted by the Intervention Board when implementing its buying function.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

As I said on 9th May in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Devizes (Mr. Charles Morrison), the minimum quantity for wheat will be 200 tons and for barley 100 tons. For oil seed rape the minimum will be 50 tons; for sugar 300 tons. The arrangements for the other commodities concerned will be announced as soon as essential consultations are completed.—[Vol. 836, c.321–4.]

45. Mr. Millan

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what will be the functions of the proposed Intervention Board for Agriculture to be situated at Reading.

57. Mr. Brocklebank-Fowler

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now explain the structure of the Intervention Board and the operation of its advisory committees; and if he will make a statement.

59. Mr. Scott-Hopkins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement concerning the advisory committees of the proposed Intervention Board.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

The Intervention Board will be responsible for the main executive tasks in carrying out the common agricultural policy. These are all closely interrelated. My right hon. Friend explained the main functions and composition of the board in the course of the debate on Clause 6 of the European Communities Bill on 22nd June.—[Vol. 839, c. 763–80.]

Mr. Strang

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received regarding the decision to establish the main office of the Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce at Reading.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

None.