Written question asked by Roger Williams (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 14 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 2003. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Thursday, 20 November 2003 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the arrangements are for testing for ring rot in potatoes. - Including ref to DIR93/85/EEC. (Holding answer 18 November 2003).

Answer: Mr. Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the arrangements are for testing for ring rot in potatoes. [139300] Mr. Bradshaw: [holding answer 18 November 2003]: Testing for ring rot in potatoes is carried out in accordance with the provisions laid down in EC Council Directive 93/85/EEC of 4 October 1993 on the control of potato ring rot. This includes provision for member states to undertake official surveys of potatoes for the presence of the disease, with any samples taken being tested in accordance with internationally agreed protocols.

Secondary information