To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 10 May 2007, Official Report, column 383W, on shellfish: Colchester, what progress has been made in determining the application for a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for the Colchester Native Oyster; when he expects to announce the issuing of a PGI; and if he will make a statement. (152967)

Following a constructive meeting in May between officials and representatives of the applicant group, an announcement regarding the next stage of this process was expected to be made in June.

However, officials are still waiting for further information from the applicant, including confirmation of the exact geographical area for the production of this product.