§ Mr. Maclennanasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consultations he has had with representatives of the agriculture industry regarding the privatisation of part of the Plant Breeding Institute.
§ Mr. WaldenOfficials of the Department and of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food have had 437W discussions with interested bodies, including representatives of the agricultural industry, in connection with the proposed privatisation of part of the PBI.
§ Mr. Maclennanasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consideration he has given to the proposals of the Plant Breeding Institute that receipts from sales to companies of new plant and seed varieties by the National Seed Development Organisation be used to finance its work.
§ Mr. WaldenMy right hon. Friend announced on 18 February, at columns108–9, that the Government intend to privatise the National Seed Development Organisation and part of the Plant Breeding Institute, provided this can be done on satisfactory terms. Privatisation on those lines would have the advantage of bringing together the breeding and marketing of PBI varieties within a single organisation. Also, a private sector company will be better placed to take commercial decisions about these varieties.