Written question asked by Huw Edwards (Labour) on Thursday, 3 May 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 May 2001. It was answered by Baroness Quin (Labour) on Thursday, 10 May 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, who the key official in the Intervention Board is who deals with Wales; and what his or her contact number is; what plans he has to review the operation of the Intervention Board. - Inc ref to 24 July 2000, 354 c472W.

Answer: Mr. Edwards: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) who the key official in the Intervention Board is who deals with Wales; and what his or her contact number is; [160698] (2) what plans he has to review the operation of the Intervention Board. [160699] Ms Quin: The Intervention Board administers a number of Common Agricultural Policy schemes in Wales and many of its officials are in contact with farmers and traders. The Chief Executive of the Intervention Board is Johnston McNeill, who can be contacted at the board's office in Reading, for which the telephone number is 0118 958 3626. The future role of the Intervention Board was recently considered as part of the Department's review of its regional structure. I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister to my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) on 24 July 2000, Official Report, column 472W. The work of the board in administering Common Agricultural Policy schemes is being brought together with similar work being done by the Regional Service Centres in the Department to form a new Paying Agency. Johnston McNeill was appointed Chief Executive of the new Agency with effect from 2 April.

Secondary information