§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies the Government have(a) undertaken and (b) commissioned on the use of hemp as an alternative source for paper manufacture; and what European Union (i) studies and (ii) support schemes have been established in respect of the use of hemp for paper making. [3925]
§ Mr. BoswellI have been asked to reply.
Hemp grown under licence in this country may be used for paper making. The Department is funding research into the structure of hemp fibres and the industrial potential of hemp, which will be relevant to its use in paper making.
617WIn 1994 a European Union funded study looked at the increased application of domestically produced plant fibres. The agri-industrial research programme also funded a three-year study of the processing of short fibres. Both of these studies examined the use of hemp for paper making.
A number of schemes exist under which support would be obtained to assist development of hemp for paper making and these include:
- 1. the Agriculture and Fisheries (FAIR) Programme, which supports research of development projects;
- 2. The EU's Fourth Framework Programme;
- 3. projects in Objective 5b areas may be eligible under the Challenge for Agriculture Scheme.
In addition, the common agriculture policy hemp regime provides for area payments to hemp growers.