HC Deb 10 April 1986 vol 95 c326
1. Mr. Cohen

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he proposes to revise the guidelines given to his staff engaged in conservation duties, in the light of the proposals contained in the Agriculture Bill; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Michael Jopling)

Assuming that the agriculture Bill passes into law, I shall draw its provisions to the attention of all staff and issue guidance on their implementation.

Mr. Cohen

The Agriculture Bill imposes conservation responsibilities which are to be welcomed, especially on the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service, yet the Minister is cutting the staff that will fulfil those statutory responsibilities. Does that not show that he is paying only lip service to conservation and that he has no realistic commitment to it? When will he provide the additional staff necessary?

Mr. Jopling

I draw the hon. Gentleman's attention to the new clause that we moved to the Agriculture Bill, where we have taken on further responsiblities for conservation.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

I congratulate my right hon. Friend on introducing the new clause, which shows the Government's commitment to conservation. Does he agree that, as well as having guidelines, his officials need training in how to secure a balance between conservation and agriculture? What is my right hon. Friend doing to provide that necessary training?

Mr. Jopling

I am grateful for my hon. Friend's comment. We are arranging courses. There have been a number over the past few years for ADAS staff so that they can better give advice on conservation matters.

Mr. John

Does the Minister not realise that the House will require some details about exactly how the training will be implemented? Is it merely a token or a factor in the chess game currently taking place with the Department of the Environment, or does the right hon. Gentleman really mean it to be effective? If so, how will he make it so?

Mr. Jopling

The hon. Gentleman has complimented my Department on the steps that we are taking to become more and more interested in conservation matters. It is surprising and disappointing therefore that he should question our good will on those matters. We are determined to further our duties for conservation.