Written question asked by Ralph Howell (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 November 1996. It was answered by Viscount Hailsham (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 November 1996 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: Statement on the result of the consultation on a proposal to establish a Potato Industry Development Council for Great Britain.

Answer: Sir Ralph Howell: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the result of the consultation on a proposal to establish a potato industry development council for Great Britain. [5464] Mr. Douglas Hogg: Our industry-wide consultation revealed overwhelming support for such a body. Therefore, with my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales, I have decided to set up a Potato Industry Development Council for Great Britain. The council will be responsible for: commissioning or assisting research and development; the collection and dissemination of statistical information; promotion including the development of exports; and promoting standard products and better defining trade descriptions and consistency in their use. The council will be funded by a dual statutory levy-- an area levy on growers and a tonnage contribution charged at the first point of sale and paid by those purchasing potatoes. It is our intention that the order establishing the council, which will be made under the Industrial Organisation and Development Act 1947, will be laid before Parliament later this year.

Secondary information