Written question asked by Michael Meacher (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 December 1996. It was answered by Lord Boswell of Aynho (Conservative) on Wednesday, 18 December 1996 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: What studies the Government has (a) undertaken and (b) commissioned on the use of hemp as an alternative source for paper manufacture; and what European Union (i) studies and (ii) support schemes have been established in respect of the use of hemp for paper making.

Answer: Mr. Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies the Government have (a) undertaken and (b) commissioned on the use of hemp as an alternative source for paper manufacture; and what European Union (i) studies and (ii) support schemes have been established in respect of the use of hemp for paper making. [3925] Mr. Boswell: I have been asked to reply. Hemp grown under licence in this country may be used for paper making. The Department is funding research into the structure of hemp fibres and the industrial potential of hemp, which will be relevant to its use in papermaking. In 1994 a European Union funded study looked at the increased application of domestically produced plant fibres. The agri-industrial research programme also funded a three-year study of the processing of short fibres. Both of these studies examined the use of hemp for papermaking. A number of schemes exist under which support would be obtained to assist development of hemp for papermaking and these include: 1. the Agriculture and Fisheries (FAIR) Programme, which supports research of development projects; 2. The EU's Fourth Framework Programme; 3. projects in Objective 5b areas may be eligible under the Challenge for Agriculture Scheme. In addition the common agriculture policy hemp regime provides for area payments to hemp growers.

Secondary information