§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Wales how much Government money was allocated to hill and upland research and development in 719W Wales during 1979; what were the corresponding figures for the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThe main responsibility for research on hill and upland farming in the United Kingdom lies with the Hill Farming Research Organisation. Government money is allocated to agriculture research and development jointly for England and Wales. Some hill farming research is carried out at the Welsh plant breeding station hill centre at Pant-y-Dwr, near Rhayader and at the
Date Number Average Cost Per Head Total Cost £ £ 1 January 1976 … … 19 5,259 99,922 1 January 1977 … … 20 5,729 114,580 1 January 1978 … … 21 6,060 127,266 1 January 1979 … … 22 6,693 147,247 The corresponding details for 1 January 1980 are that 23 officers were employed at an average cost of £8,639 per head, and a total cost of £198,691.
The information officer group in the Welsh Office, in addition to press and public relations officers, includes officers engaged upon exhibitions, publications, Welsh translation, tours and work in connection with film and photographic libraries.