§ Mr. Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the effects of the cut in funding for the advisory services operated by Scotland's agricultural colleges and on the standard of service offered by these bodies.
§ Mr. YoungerMy right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State recently had a detailed meeting on this question with the chairman of the council of the colleges and the three college principals, and discussions are continuing between my department and the colleges about the ways in which the reduction in public funding in 1987–88 can be implemented. It is my intention that the present high standards of service offered by the advisory services in Scotland should be maintained, and that the representative bodies directly concerned should be given an opportunity in due course to comment on the details of any proposals for change in the way in which these services are delivered before changes take effect.