HC Deb 23 March 2001 vol 365 c378W
Mr. Martyn Jones

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made with appointments to the Government-industry forum on non-food uses of crops since the Adjournment debate on non-food crops in Westminster Hall on 11 January. [155720]

Ms Quin

I am pleased to announce the following appointments to the forum: Mr. Robert Margetts CBE as Chairman, Professor Dianna Bowles, Dr. David Carmichael, Mrs. Pamela Castle, Dr. Paul Ekins, Dr. Ray Marriott, Dr. Richard Miller and Mr. Andy Taylor. In addition, there will be one member each from MAFF, DTI and DETR and MAFF will also provide a full-time secretary, and two technical advisers.

The terms of reference of the forum are:

To provide strategic advice to Government and industry on the development of non-food uses of crops. In particular;

To keep under review technological developments and market opportunities for non-food uses of crops.

To make recommendations on policy affecting non-food uses of crops and on R&D priorities.

To publish an annual report.

The forum will hold its first meeting as soon as possible.