§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the representatives of the (i) poultry, (ii) lamb, (iii) beef and (iv) pork producers who sit on the Board of the Meat and Livestock Commission. [63839]
§ Mr. RookerMembers of the Commission are not formally appointed as representatives of particular sectors. The following producers are, however, members of the Meat and Livestock Commission:
- Mrs. Helen Browning (producer of beef cattle, sheep and pigs)
- Mr. Richard Campbell (pigs)
- Mr. John (Rees) Roberts (sheep)
- Mr. John Ross CBE (beef cattle and sheep).
In addition, the Chairman of the MLC, Mr. Don Curry, is a beef and sheep producer.
The Agriculture Act 1967, which set up the MLC does not permit the Commission to cover the poultry industry.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what new initiatives he is taking to improve the effectiveness of the Meat and Livestock Commission in promoting the sale of British meat products. [63838]
§ Mr. RookerThe MLC spent over £20 million in the 1997–98 financial year on promoting beef, lamb and pork. I believe that its work is recognised to be effective and that the Commission itself is best placed to judge where it should concentrate its future effort.
The MLC is currently undergoing a regular five yearly policy review and Ministers will consider all representation made in the course of that review.