§ Mr. Peter AtkinsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the recent consultation on the proposal to bring the potato marketing scheme to an end; and if he will make a statement. [5527]
§ Mr. BoswellThere were 24 responses to the consultation from a wide range of interests. Some of the organisations that responded either opposed the Government's decision to revoke the scheme or expressed disappointment with it, while others supported revocation. There was, however, widespread support for an industry body funded by a statutory levy to succeed the Potato532W Marketing Board, and it will be for the board to develop appropriate proposals, if that is what growers wish. Several respondents stressed the importance of introducing a lightweight EU regime for potatoes, and we again pressed for early progress on this at the Agriculture Council on 29 and 30 November. A copy of the consultation document, together with the list of responses, has been placed in the Library of the House.
In accordance with section 25(1) of the Agriculture Act 1993, we shall tomorrow lay an order before both Houses specifying 1 July 1996 as the beginning of the revocation process. This would mean revocation of the scheme on 30 June 1997, as previously planned.