§ 39. Mr. Allen Adamsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has had about the future of Food from Britain.
§ Mr. GummerI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Burnley (Mr. Pike) on 8 May.
§ 47. Mr. Haynesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what contingency plans he has prepared for the event that sufficient funding to secure the future of Food From Britain is not forthcoming from the farming industry.
§ Mr. GummerFood From Britain's functions are laid down in the Agricultural Marketing Act 1983. They include the improvement of marketing and the encouragement of co-operation. The Government have always envisaged that it was for the industry itself to follows the lead which the Government have given and provide FFB with sufficient money to continue to perform its market function. Abolishing the marketing function would require legislation and consideration would need to be given to the future of FFB's co-operative development activities.