§ Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures are being taken to promote United Kingdom-produced wine in overseas markets; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. JackThe Government promote exports of English and Welsh wine vigorously. The Prime Minister himself served English wine at a G7 summit. It was also served at various functions during the United Kingdom Presidency of the EC. Seven English wines were available at the British pavilion at the Spanish Expo '92 in Seville. In addition Food From Britain and its export arm, the British Food Export Council, are keen to promote English and Welsh wines both at home and abroad and they can provide expert resources to help the industry.
We are also sympathetic to the wish of the English Vineyards Association to improve the marketing of English wine by the introduction of a new scheme for regional wine, and for new names for the wines.
§ Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the amount of wine produced by United Kingdom vineyards in each year since 1987; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. JackThe annual production of wine produced from fresh grapes grown in the United Kingdom since 1987 is as follows:
399W
Year Hectolitres 1987 5,000 1988 4,110 1989 21,447
Year Hectolitres 1990 14,442 1991 15,429 1992 26,428