§ Mr. AtkinsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what representations he has received about the proposed privatisation of Horticulture Research International; [30013]
(2) what steps he has taken to protect the interests of small to medium-sized horticultural enterprises following privatisation of Horticulture Research International; [30015]
(3) what guarantees of future funding for Horticulture Research International he will give following privatisation; [30016]
(4) if he will make a statement on the planned time scale for the privatisation of Horticulture Research International. [30020]
§ Mr. BoswellNo decisions have been taken on privatisation of Horticulture Research International.
§ Mr. AtkinsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the meetings and consultations which he has had with representatives of the horticultural industry to discuss the future of Horticulture Research International in the last six months. [30014]
§ Mr. BoswellHorticulture Research International is the subject of a prior options review which is looking at a variety of options, including whether it should remain in the public sector. The review team has met the following representatives of the horticultural industry:
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- The Apple and Pear Research Council
- East Mailing Trustees
- Horticultural Development Council
- National Farmers' Union
Written comments were received from the following additional horticulture associations:
- East Mailing Research Association
- Horticultural Research Association
- Horticultural Trades Association
- Mushroom Growers Association
- National Hop Association
- Potato Marketing Board
- Processors and Growers Research Organisation
§ Mr. AtkinsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are his plans for the future of Horticulture Research International; and if he will make a statement. [30018]
§ Mr. BoswellAs part of the prior options review, the future status of HRI is now to be considered by the Prime Minister's adviser on efficiency, Sir Peter Levene. Decisions on the outcome will be announced as soon as possible.
§ Mr. AtkinsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the benefits to small to medium-sized horticultural enterprises which will accrue from privatisation of Horticulture Research International. [30019]
§ Mr. BoswellIn reaching a decision on Horticulture Research International's future status, the Government will take into account the responses received from the horticulture industry in the course of the prior options review.