§ 13. Mr. BrakeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assistance he plans to provide to horticulture; and if he will make a statement. [142349]
§ Ms QuinWe assist the horticulture sector through a programme of strategic research and development, costing about £10.3 million in the current year. In addition, we have recently launched new schemes under the England rural development programme, including the rural enterprise scheme and the processing and marketing grant scheme, both of which will provide opportunities for the horticulture industry to improve its competitiveness.
§ 17. Mr. MillerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact of the agricultural wages board arrangements on rates of pay in the horticulture sector. [142353]
§ Ms QuinMy Department conducts an annual survey of earnings and hours of agricultural and horticultural workers.
§ 18. Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the UK horticulture industry about the climate change levy. [142355]
§ 24. Mr. BradyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what meetings he held with horticulturalists representatives in the last month. [142361]
§ Ms QuinWe maintain regular contact with representatives from across the horticultural industry. Last month I attended and addressed the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers Dinner. I have accepted an invitation to the Fresh Produce Consortium Convention in the new year.