HC Deb 16 December 1992 vol 216 cc290-1W
15. Mr. Welsh

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in Scotland has received about the agricultural industry marketing boards; and what steps he intends taking to ensure the future economic prospects of the sectors of the agricultural industry involved.

Sir Hector Monro

My Department received a number of comments both on the Scottish milk marketing boards' proposals for conversion to voluntary co-operatives and about the Potato Marketing Board.

The Government's policy is to ensure that these sectors can flourish within an open and competitive structure, while retaining the best features of the existing marketing schemes where appropriate.