Explanatory note

This Order, which comes into force on 1st January 2003, further amends the Potato Industry Development Council Order 1997 (S.I. 1997/266). This Order increases the thresholds of production and purchasing above which producers and purchasers must register with the British Potato Council and pay a levy (article 3). It provides for additional details to be entered on the register of producers and purchasers in the case of companies (article 4). It allows for estimates based on the previous year’s figures, which are used in cases where returns are not provided as required, to be increased by up to 10% (article 5). The Order increases the maximum levy payable by producers from £40 to £50 per hectare and enables a higher charge (subject to the specified maximum rates) to be imposed on producers and purchasers who fail to pay by the due date for the purpose of recouping additional costs incurred as a result (article 6).

A Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared and placed in the Library of each House of Parliament and of the National Assembly for Wales. Copies may be obtained from the Horticulture and Potatoes Division of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Room 907, Eastbury House, Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TL, and the Agriculture and Fisheries Policy Division, National Assembly for Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ.