HC Deb 30 January 1990 vol 166 cc152-3
9. Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the primary role of the Natural Environment Research Council.

Mr. MacGregor

The council was established by royal charter to promote, support and carry out research in the earth sciences and ecology; to provide and operate ships, equipment and other facilities for common use in such research; to provide advice and disseminate knowledge in the fields of its responsibility; and to make grants for such research.

Mr. Mullin

Does the Secretary of State accept that it is important that the Natural Environment Research Council be kept independent of pressure from farmers and food manufacturers and that therefore it should not be merged with the Agricultural and Food Research Council?

Mr. MacGregor

I have already made it plain that I hope to make an announcement on that issue as quickly as possible. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will recognise, as the ABRC recommendation and the report of the Select Committee from another House recognised, that there are many areas in agriculture, land use and on environmental questions where there is an overlap and an identity of interest. Therefore, it makes sense to look at how better co-operation can take place. But I hope to make an announcement on the matter as soon as possible.