HL Deb 08 July 1985 vol 466 cc3-4

2.42 p.m.

Baroness Nicol

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have considered the possible environmental effects of the proposed cuts in funding of agricultural research and development by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and whether any alternative funding has been arranged.

The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Lord Belstead)

My Lords, I recognise the importance of ensuring that environmental considerations are taken fully into account in determining the future programme of research and development. I am sure that the Priorities Board, which advises Ministers on the allocation of resources, will also have this point firmly in mind in drawing up its recommendations.

Baroness Nicol

My Lords, is the Minister aware of the link between research of this kind and the use of pesticides? Does he know that if there is a break in the necessarily continuous programme of research into diseases of crops and into the understanding of insects there will inevitably be an increase in the use of pesticides? Is he aware that this would have a most unfortunate environmental effect? Is he sure that the Priorities Board is fully aware of this and will take it into consideration during its discussions?

Lord Belstead

My Lords, yes, the Government take the noble Baroness's first point. Indeed, part of the Ministry of Agriculture's commissioned research and in-house research is into breeding crop varieties resistant to pests and diseases in order to reduce the use of agro-chemicals. So far as forthcoming advice from the Priorities Board is concerned, I know that it is giving careful consideration to all aspects of the R and D programme, including environmental implications.

Lord John-Mackie

My Lords, arising out of the supplementary question of my noble friend Lady Nicol, rumour has it (and it is, I believe, fairly strong) that ICI has been bidding for the Plant Breeding Institute and the National Seed Development Organisation. If this is the case, and arising out of the noble Lord's reply, does he think that ICI, the biggest manufacturer of chemicals and fertilisers in the country, will carry out a lot of research into plants that do not need these?

Lord Belstead

My Lords, that is a very interesting question. But it is, I believe, another question.

Lord Melchett

My Lords, in view of the emphasis that the noble Lord has placed on the views of the Priorities Board, can he say what consultations the board has had with environmental interests, either with the Government's statutory advisers, the NCC or the Countryside Commission, or with voluntary organisations?

Lord Belstead

My Lords, that is a matter for the Priorities Board. In addition to having independent-minded and very distinguished people on it, may I remind the noble Lord that Sir Hans Kornberg, who is a member of the Priorities Board, was chairman of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution.

Lord Melchett

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that there is widespread concern within the agricultural industry and among environmental interests that the Priorities Board is not being very forthcoming in looking for outside views and asking other interests to comment on the issues that it is considering, or, indeed, in telling people what issues it is considering?

Lord Belstead

My Lords, if the noble Lord would like to get in touch with me and tell me more about that concern, I shall of course consult my right honourable friend on it, because it would be a serious matter.