HL Deb 26 January 1999 vol 596 cc142-3WA
The Earl of Iveagh

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In the light of the Rhizomania Containment Policy agreement with other European countries that expires in November 1999, whether they will announce any changes that may affect the sugar beet crop for 1999. [HL469]

Lord Donoughue

The United Kingdom is designated as a protected zone for rhizomania under the European Community's plant health legislation. The designation will expire on 1 November 1999 unless the EC takes a positive decision to extend it for a further period. The Ministry is reviewing the rhizomania policy with industry representatives and no decisions have yet been taken on possible changes to the existing controls.