HC Deb 08 June 1976 vol 912 cc615-6W
Mr. Brotherton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what staff are employed on the work of the Rhubarb Plant Variety Rights Advisory Panel.

Mr. Peart

No staff are employed exclusively or specifically on this work. On the few occasions when a variety of this species has been entered for plant variety rights the panel concerned has been serviced by the staff of the Plant Variety Rights Office in addition to their normal work.

Mr. Brotherton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what salary or fee is normally paid to the Chairman of the Rhubarb Plant Variety Rights Advisory Panel;

(2) when he expects to appoint a chairman of the Rhubarb Plant Variety Rights Advisory Panel.

Mr. Peart

As yet there has been no occasion to appoint a chairman. The work of this panel continues to be undertaken by two members, each of whom can claim a fee of £9 per day.

Mr. Brotherton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the cost to public funds of the Rhubarb Plant Variety Rights Advisory Panel.

Mr. Peart

About £30 in 1971 when the panel last met.