HC Deb 06 May 1965 vol 711 cc1538-9
10. Mr. Charles Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he has taken to expand the work of the Agricultural Research Council and other organisations engaged in agricultural research.

Mr. Crosland

This year's Estimate for the Agricultural Research Council, for which I am responsible, is rather more than £1 million larger than the grant for last year. Other organisations are the responsibility of my right hon. Friends, the Secretary of State for Scotland, and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Mr. Morrison

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has had discussions about what aspects of research in agriculture should be expanded?

Mr. Crosland

Yes Sir. Recently, expansion has been greatest in food research. The new Food Research Institute and the Meat Research Institute are both due to be completed in 1967. There is also an important new nitrogen fixation unit established at the University of Sussex.

Mr. Peter Mills

Will the Minister bear in mind the vital necessity for agricultural research, particularly into types and breeds of animals, to meet the new market requirements?

Mr. Crosland

Yes, Sir. I shall certainly bear that in mind. I would point out that the increase of over £1 million represents a rise of 15 per cent. in spending this year over last year.