HC Deb 12 May 1980 vol 984 cc341-2W
Mr. Moate

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will announce the name of the chairman of the reconstituted Apple and Pear Development Council.

Mr. Peter Walker

I am delighted to be able to announce that Mr. Richard Venables, the chairman of Ogilvy Benson & Mather and a director of Ogilvy and Mather International has agreed to become chairman of the revitalised Apple and Pear Development Council. Mr. Venables, with his distinguished record in the advertising industry, will bring an independence of mind and extensive marketing experience to the leadership of the council at a critical stage when there is an overwhelming need for the apple and pear industry to improve the marketing of home grown produce in the face of fierce competition from imports of apples from France.

I am confident that under Mr. Venables' chairmanship the council will act with vigour, enterprise and imagination in tackling the industry's marketing problems.

Mr. Moate

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is now able to announce the membership of the reconstituted Apple and Pear Development Council.

Mr. Peter Walker

I am pleased to announce the names of those who have agreed to serve on the reconstituted Apple and Pear Development Council.

Members whose service will continue under existing appointments are: Mr. D. G. Bottom, Mr. J. H. Culley and Mr. P. W. J. Dunsby (representing growers), Mr. W. A. Punt (employees) and Mr. F. W. Wilkes (distributors).

New members who have accepted my invitation to serve are: Mr. S. Brice, Mr. D. Corbett, Mrs. M. Charrington, Mr. N. Longe and Mr. M. E. Withnall (representing growers) and Mr. B. J. Collingridge (distributors).

I hope to make an early announcement on the appointment of members to fill the remaining two seats on the council.

I am sure that this streamlined council, whose role will be strengthened by the additional functions we have assigned to it, will serve the apple and pear industry well and with energy in getting to grips with its urgent marketing problems.