Written question asked by Martyn Jones (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 May 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 May 2001. It was answered by Nicholas Brown (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 May 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: Statement on when he will publish the report of the Inputs Task Force. - Includes fact that report published today, copies in Library. (Dep 01/782).

Answer: Mr. Martyn Jones: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will publish the report of the Inputs Task Force. [160949] Mr. Nick Brown: I published the report today. The task force found that across the board, UK farmers do not pay more for their inputs than their competitors in Europe, but competitive trade can be frustrated by a lack of transparency in the market, commercial arrangements and differing regulatory requirements for some inputs across EU member states. They also found that there was a wide range of efficiency of input use and substantial scope for improvement. The report contains a number of recommendations for action by both Government and industry to reduce input costs and optimise input use. The Government will consider these carefully and publish a full response as soon as possible. The report is available in the House Libraries and on the MAFF website.

Secondary information