§ 42. Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what further representations he has received about the proposed cuts in the agricultural research budget.
§ Mr. BrookeOn 22 January 1985 my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced at column 401 a proposed reduction in the public expenditure provision for research, development and advisory services funded by the Agriculture Departments in 1986–87 and 1987–88. These reductions reflect the Government's aim that those who benefit from such work should contribute in greater measure to its costs.
Following the announcement we have received representations from the chairman of the Agricultural and Food Research Council (AFRC) concerning the possible consequences for the AFRC and particularly for the research it conducts using funds from the Department's science budget. The Department has also received 22 letters from hon. Members and other interested parties directly, or via the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.