§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to his answer of 21 July, which of his regional panel members are organic farmers; and whether he intends to appoint more organic farmers to his regional panels.
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 27 July 1989]: No member of regional panels in England currently farms to a recognised standard of organic production. In considering future appointments to regional panels, regard is given amongst other factors, to the principal types of farming activities undertaken in the region concerned.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will consider appointing representatives of environmental or consumer organisations on his regional panels; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 27 July 1989]: The membership of regional panels is undertaken in a personal capacity; panel members do not represent organisations to which they may belong.