HC Deb 05 May 1994 vol 242 cc632-3W
10. Dr. Wright

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals for deregulation she intends to introduce.

Mr. Soames

We are finalising our review of regulations based on public consultations. Our proposals—involving firm plans for simplification and revocation of regulations—are being published as they emerge.

17. Mr. Ian Bruce

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will make a statement on the future of milk quotas.

Mr. Jack

The EC legislation provides for the milk quota system to continue until the year 2000. We will be pressing for the EU Council of Ministers to debate the future of milk quotas well in advance of that date. Our preference remains for artificial quota constraints to be replaced by a market-led system which would enable producers to plan their output according to the market and their business needs.

18. Mr. Paice

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will make a statement on progress towards deciding the location of the European plant breeder rights office.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

The United Kingdom has submitted a formal bid to locate the new office at Cambridge and we understand that six other member states have now submitted bids.

A decision on the location of the office is expected to be taken at the June European Council.