Written question asked by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 7 September 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 October 2004. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Monday, 4 October 2004 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 representations she has received to request the European Union to give Protected Geographical Indicator (PGI) status to the Colchester oyster; what action she has taken to secure PGI status; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received to request the European Union to give Protected Geographical Indicator (PGI) status to the Colchester oyster; what action she has taken to secure PGI status; and if she will make a statement. [187972] Mr. Bradshaw: An application to register `Colchester Oyster' as a Protected Geographical Indication under the EU Protected Food Name scheme was received earlier this year. Officials have assessed the application against the scheme criteria and are now finalising the application in consultation with the applicant group. The next step will be to consult formally other interested parties within the UK. Subject to the findings of that consultation process, the application will be submitted to the European Commission to consider.

Secondary information