§ David BurnsideTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the vacant post of top fruit adviser for the apple industry; and what the timescale is for an appointment to this position. [80110]
§ Mr. PearsonThe position of top fruit adviser in the Agri-Food Development Service is vacant due to the promotion of the previous incumbent. This officer is currently providing support to the local top fruit sector through his current role as senior horticulture adviser.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development does intend to fill the vacant post of top fruit adviser by April 2003 provided that a suitably qualified person can be recruited.