§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what recent representations he has received regarding the advisability of abolishing the Potato Marketing Board;
(2) what plans he has to meet members of the Potato Marketing Board to discuss its future;
(3) when he expects to announce the action to be taken by his Department as a result of the recent review of the Potato Marketing Board;
(4) if he will make a statement on the future of the Potato Marketing Board.
§ Mr. RyderThe Government's consultation paper on future potato market policy was issued on 6 September 1988 and invited comments by 31 December 1988. By the closing date, 93 individuals and organisations (including the Potato Marketing Board) had commented, and I have received numerous representations since then. In addition, I met the chairman, vice chairman and chief executive of the Potato Marketing Board on 8 March. We are now considering what conclusions to draw from this exercise, and an announcement will not be unduly delayed.