§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the Food Chain Group. [109795]
§ Mr. Nick Brown[holding answer 11 February 2000]: The Food Chain Group comprises senior figures from the National Farmers Union, Food and Drink Federation, IGD (formerly the Institute of Grocery Distribution) and MAFF, under the chairmanship of a senior MAFF official. The Group was invited to review the opportunities for working together and increasing understanding among the players in the food chain, and between the industry as a whole and consumers.
The Group's report, which was published on 10 November last year and a copy placed in the Library of the House, has been welcomed by many across the supply chain as a significant contribution to the drive to improve agri-food competitiveness. I have asked the Policy Issues Council of IGD to consider how best to take forward those issues which are for the industry. We intend to review progress in the summer.