§ 16. Mr. Soamesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress his Department and the Agricultural Development Advisory Service have made towards further measures of conservation in agriculture.
§ Mrs. FennerMy Department's aim will continue to be that of developing agricultural policies and encouraging farming practices which take due account of the desirability of conserving the countryside. As far as ADAS specifically is concerned, its contribution includes giving advice on conservation matters to individual farmers, promoting conservation awareness amongst farmers through exhibits and displays at agricultural shows and similar events, widespread participation in the farming and wildlife advisory groups and advising farmers and the statutory conservation agencies on the management of environmentally sensitive land.
§ Mr. SoamesI thank my hon. Friend for that commendably brief answer. Does she accept that many of my constituents are gravely concerned about conservation? Will she assure the House that everything possible will be done to ensure that farmers are given every facility to incorporate conservation measures in their future plans?
§ Mrs. FennerI earnestly assure my hon. Friend that all his points are uppermost in the mind of the Ministry. I am sure that they have been confirmed in practical terms by the setting up of the environmental co-ordination unit.