§ Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many scientists are employed by him in studying the causes of foot-and-mouth disease; and what is the annual cost.
§ Mr. SoamesMy Ministry does not employ scientists on research into foot-and-mouth disease. At the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Research Institute at Pirbright, however, which is supported from Government funds through the Agricultural Research Council, 40 scientists and 158 supporting staff are so engaged. In the current financial year, the cost of this research will be about £300,000, excluding capital expenditure.