HC Deb 28 October 1993 vol 230 cc775-6W
25. Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what alternative proposals she has received to the Potato Marketing Board's plan for the future of potato marketing in the United Kingdom.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

I have received alternative proposals for modification of the potato marketing scheme from the National Farmers Union.

I have also received proposals for the abolition of the scheme from the Potato Processors Association.

27. Mr. Ainger

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total expenditure(a) in 1992 and (b) to date in 1993 paid to producers by the potato marketing scheme; and what proportion of that was funded by the levy on producers.

Mr. Jack

For the 1992 crop year—1 July 1992 to 30 June 1993—the total cost of the Potato Marketing Board's —PMB—buying programmes amounted to £20,796,439 of which 92.66 per cent was funded by the levy on producers. For the 1993 crop year commencing on 1 July 1993, the PMB has spent £158,716 to date, all of which has been funded by the levy on producers.