§ 24. Hugh RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on Government support for the fruit industry. [55141]
§ Alun MichaelWe assist the horticulture industry by funding a programme of strategic research and development worth almost £11 million per annum. For 2001–02, some £2.6 million of this spend is allocated to the soft and top fruit sector. In addition, the England Rural Development Programme, through both the Rural Enterprise Scheme and the Processing and Marketing Grant, provides opportunities for the industry to improve its competitiveness.