§ Brian WhiteTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress the Government Industry Forum on Non-Food Uses of Crops has made; and if she will make a statement. [79869]
§ Mr. MeacherOver the past year the forum has met six times and has been working on a number of studies of areas of potential development in the non-food crops sector. Examples include biopackaging, the use of natural fibres in composite materials, biosolvents and biolubricants. The forum has also considered generic240W issues which affect this sector. The forum published its first annual report in August 2002 which details its work and sets out its first series of recommendations to Government. I am placing copies of the report in the Libraries of both Houses.