HC Deb 18 January 1993 vol 217 cc80-1W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what hectarage of land in England is in(a) less favoured areas, (b) severely disadvantaged areas and (c) disadvantaged areas; what proportion of land in England each figure represents; and how many farmers are involved.

Mr. Curry

The figures requested are as follows:

Dr. Strang

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many of the responses to the consultation letter of 26 November 1992 concerning an EC potato regime were supportive of the principle behind the present potato marketing scheme establishing both high quality standards and a stable market for potatoes as being more appropriate than the proposals set out in Com(92) 185 final.

Mr. Gummer

Eight.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from interested parties about the proposed changes in the Potato Marketing Board aid scheme; and how many have supported the proposals to abolish the Potato Marketing Board aid scheme.

Mr. Curry

Since the publication of the proposals for an EC potato regime which as drafted do not make provision for the area (quota) controls and support buying arrangements of our potato marketing scheme, we have received a number of representations, mainly from growers or their representatives, the majority of which are in support of the continuation of the scheme.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those outstanding recommendations contained in any of the reviews of the Potato Marketing Board aid scheme conducted by Government over the past 10 years which have yet to be fully implemented.

Mr. Curry

Following the 1988 review of the potato marketing scheme the Government announced their intention to abolish the guarantee arrangements as soon as parliamentary time permitted. The Agriculture Bill currently in another place contains the necessary provisions. All other recommendations have already been implemented.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to ensure that potato producers in the United Kingdom will be competing fairly with EC competitors in other member states under the regulations provided for in the proposed draft EC potato scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Curry

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 12 January 1993 to the hon. Member for Lancashire, West (Mr. Pickthall) at column721.

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