HC Deb 12 July 1988 vol 137 cc132-3W
Mrs. Gillian Shephard

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give an indication as to the likely outcome and timing of the consultative document on the future structure of the Potato Marketing Board.

Mr. Donald Thompson

The revised potato market support arrangements introduced in Great Britain on 1 July 1985 are due to be revised before 30 June 1990. The review will consider, amongst other things, the future of the Potato Marketing Board. I am considering at present how to conduct the review and will make my intentions known as soon as possible. I intend that there should be full consultation with all sectors of the industry and I will give as much notice as possible of any changes.

Mr. Moss

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in the light of the integrated European Community market in 1992, he expects the Potato Marketing Board to continue its current basis of operation.

Mr. Donald Thompson

The advent of the single European Community market in 1992 will not affect the legal position of the Potato Marketing Board, which exists under United Kingdom domestic legislation. However, the potato market support arrangements are due to be reviewed before 30 June 1990. I am considering at present how to conduct the review and will make my intentions known as soon as possible. I intend that there should be full consultation with all sectors of the industry and will give as much notice as possible of any changes.