§ Mr. Horamasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has completed his consultations about the future of the Apple and Pear Development Council; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StrangYes. After consulting the council, the National Farmers' Union, the National Union of Agricultural and Allied Workers and the Transport and General Workers' Union, which all supported the council's continuation, and taking note of expressions of view by other people and organisations, we have concluded that it is desirable for the council to continue in being.
We have also concluded in the light of the consultations that it is desirable to increase from £3 to £6 per acre the maximum rate of annual charge which the council may levy. In order to allow for this increase a draft amending order will be laid before 0Parliament as soon as possible.
The council also made a proposal that other detailed amendments should be made to the Apple and Pear Development Council Order 1966 to provide for compliance with the metrication programme that has been agreed for the agricultural and horticultural industry. We have accepted this proposal in principle and the details will be worked out in consultation with the interested organisations.