Agricultural Development and Advisory Service

HC Deb 22 February 1980 vol 979 cc585-6W

Mr. Faulds

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will publish details of the training in conservation now given to members of the staff of the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service, in the light of his predecessor's acceptance of the Strutt report's recommendation on this point.

Mr. Wiggin

Training in conservation matters is provided for members of the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service (ADAS) and other Ministry staff throughout the country by means of courses and staff meetings and by attendance at conservation conferences and events. This local training is supported by specialist one-week courses, two of which were held in 1979 in cooperation with the Countryside Commission and the Nature Conservancy Council.

Though principally for ADAS, these specialist courses were also attended by officers of the other Agriculture Departments. Two similar courses will be held this year.