Written question asked by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 19 April 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 4 May 2004. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 May 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, if she will make representations to the European Union to issue a protected geographical indication for the Colchester native oyster.

Answer: Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make representations to the European Union to issue a protected geographical indication for the Colchester Native Oyster. [167290] Alun Michael: Registering a food name under the EU Protected Food Name scheme is one way in which producers can add value to their produce. We are sympathetic to this proposal and the Government are keen to encourage more applications under the scheme. An application to register the name, Colchester Native Oyster as a protected geographical indication was received on 7 April. Officials are currently assessing the application against the scheme criteria. If it meets those criteria, officials will work with the applicant group to prepare the application for submission to the European Commission.

Secondary information