HC Deb 29 June 1976 vol 914 cc156-7W
Mr. John Evans

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is the name and address of the independent agricultural consultants who are carrying out a survey of the possibilities of growing sugar beet in the North-West Region of England;

(2) which organisation, or organisations, commissioned the survey being undertaken by an independent firm of consultants into the possibility of growing sugar beet in the North-West Region of England;

(3) if he will publish the results of the survey into the possibility of growing sugar beet in the North-West Region of England, at present being conducted by an independent firm of consultants, when he receives it;

(4) when he expects to receive the report of the independent consultant on the possibility of growing sugar beet in the North-West Region of England;

(5) what advice he gave regarding the terms of reference to the independent consultants at present carrying out a survey on the possibility of growing sugar beet in the North-West Region of England.

Mr. Bishop

This survey has been commissioned by the Sankey Sugar Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Manbre Sugars Ltd. The Agricultural Development and Advisory Service of the Ministry has given technical advice on the way the survey could be conducted, but the terms of reference, choice of consultant, timing, and publication of the survey are at the discretion of the company.