HC Deb 16 March 1993 vol 221 c212W
Mr. Pickthall

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the future of research and development in potatoes when the new potato regime is introduced.

Mr. Curry

The EC proposals for a regime in potatoes would have no direct effect on research and development. However, it is unlikely that the Potato Marketing Board would be able to continue in its present form. That is why the Agriculture Bill, presently before the House, allows for the transfer of the board's assets including the research station at Sutton Bridge to a successor body or bodies in order to continue the industry's involvement in R and D.