§ Mr. Kenneth Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the future work of the Central Council for Agricultural and Horticultural Co-operation with particular reference to the co-operative grant scheme and the marketing fund.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI asked two of my five marketing advisers to consider the work of the central council, with particular reference to the marketing needs of agriculture and horticulture. Their preliminary conclusions confirm that co-140W operation has an important role to play in this area and they believe that the central council should continue as the body responsible for encouraging cooperation and administering the grants scheme and the marketing fund. The Government have therefore decided, subject to parliamentary approval, to renew the agricultural and horticultural co-operation scheme 1971 for a further three years from May 1980. The council's marketing fund will also be extended for a further three years from April 1980. The precise role of the council and the funds it administers will be kept under review in the light of any developments in the Goverment's policy on marketing.