§ 12. Mr. Wigginasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has for the future of the National Agricultural Advisory Service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesI would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Brecon and Radnor (Mr. Tudor Watkins) on 9th April.—[Vol. 799; c.126–7]
§ Mr. WigginWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask him if he will take great pains in the reorganisation to ensure that the advisory and administrative functions of the new service are kept quite separate and are seen to be kept separate?
§ Mr. HughesI take the hon. Gentleman's point. I think that he is referring to what has been called the integrity of the N.A.A.S. I take this opportunity to repeat willingly my unequivocal assurance that those engaged in advisory work will have a duty to give completely impartial advice. I attach great importance to that.