MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE FOR AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
FRIDAY 14 JUNE 2002
HELD IN ROOM 135 PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present:
Mr G Savage (Deputy Chairman)
Mr P J Bradley
Mr B Douglas
Mr D Ford
Mr M Murphy
Mr G McHugh
Apologies:
Dr IRK Paisley MP MEP (Chairman)
Mr B Armstrong
Mr G Kane
Mr I Paisley Jnr
In attendance:
Mr P Moore
Miss J Adair
Mr S McCann
Mr J McCourt
The Deputy Chairman declared the meeting open in private session at 10.05 a.m. Members discussed and agreed a 'running order' for discussions during the meeting with the authors of the report.
The Deputy Chairman declared the meeting to be in public session at 10.09 a.m.
1. Report on the Review of Education and R&D in Agriculture and Food Science
Mr Ford declared an interest due to his spouse's involvement with the North East Institute.
1.1. The Deputy Chairman welcomed Dr Daniel O'Hare, Professor Sir John Marsh and Mrs Catherine Dixon from the Review Panel. Dr O'Hare was invited to make an opening statement.
1.2. Following his statement, the Review Panel answered members' questions on a variety of subjects including the economic appraisal for the Review, non monetary costs and benefits, possible savings, economies of scale, demand for courses, the quality and range of education on offer, promotion of work done at the colleges, technology transfer, cutbacks in certain areas of research and development, the availability of expertise for the proposed independent advisory committee, funding for education, the future use of science facilities and current co-operation between DARD colleges and Further Education institutes.
The Deputy Chairman thanked the members of the Review Panel and they left the meeting at 11.46 a.m.
2. Beef Carcase Dressing Specification
2.1. Mr Robert Forster, Mr John Carson and Mr Harry Marquess, representatives of the National Beef Association, attended the meeting at 11.48 a.m. to discuss concerns about the possible adoption of a new beef dressing specification. Mr Robert Forster made an opening statement outlining the NBA's concerns.
2.2. The representatives answered members' questions on the steps taken so far by the NBA, the use of the beef dressing specification in other countries, the need for the new specification, how the Committee could help, the purpose of trials of the new specification, compensation and the impact the specification would have at primary producer level.
The Deputy Chairman thanked the representatives and they left the meeting at 12.30 p.m.
2.3. Resolved: That a press release be issued following clearance by the Deputy Chairman.
2.4. Resolved: That the Committee write to the LMC highlighting its concerns.
The meeting was adjourned until 12.56 p.m. at which time the Deputy Chairman and Messrs Bradley, Douglas, Ford, Murphy and McHugh were all present. The Deputy Chairman declared the meeting to be in private session.
3. Minutes of Proceedings on Friday 7 June 2002
3.1. Resolved: That the draft Minutes of Proceedings for 7 June were approved with one minor amendment.
4. Matters Arising from the Meeting on 7 June 2002
4.1. Correspondence: Members noted receipt of correspondence by e-mail from the meeting on 7 June 2002.
4.2. World Dairy Expo: Members noted a copy of the 2002 Daily Schedule and the 2002 International Dairy Short Course for this event which will take place in Wisconsin, USA.
Resolved: That this issue be considered at the meeting on 21 June 2002.
A member queried whether the Committee should conduct an inquiry into the dairy sector and another member raised the issue of milk prices and the difference in price between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Members were reminded that the Committee had already embarked on two major inquiries.
Resolved: That a letter be sent to Lakeland Dairies seeking an explanation of the difference in price and that the Committee would consider policy issues regarding the dairy sector during the next session.
4.3. Committee Inquiry into Foot and Mouth Disease: Members noted 8 submissions and were informed that, at its own request, the Food Standards Agency submission was being withdrawn and re-submitted at a later date.
4.4. Terms of Reference for the External Research Element of the Committee's Foot and Mouth Inquiry: Members agreed the Terms of Reference for the external research element of the Inquiry. Members also agreed that the provision of interim reports should be included in the specification for prospective suppliers.
5. Any Other Business
5.1. Consultation on draft Guidance on Control of Johne's Disease: Members noted a letter from DARD advising of its consultation on draft guidance on the control of Johne's disease in dairy cattle.
Resolved: That a letter be sent to DARD asking for the results of the consultation process and recording the possibility that officials may be asked to attend a future meeting to discuss this issue.
6. Report on the Review of Education and R&D in Agriculture and Food Science
6.1. The Committee met with DARD officials Mr Roy McClenaghan, Dr Cecil McMurray and Mr Tom Stainer for private discussions on the Review Panel's report.
Mr Bradley left the meeting at 1.30 p.m. Mr Murphy left the meeting at 2.14 p.m. resulting in the loss of a quorum. The Deputy Chairman thanked the officials and they left the meeting, the Deputy Chairman adjourning the meeting until 21 June 2002.
Mr G Savage
Deputy Chairman