§ Mr. Johnasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the cost of plant breeding rights and national list testing in England; and if he will distinguish therein between administrative and operational costs.
§ Mrs. FennerMy Ministry incurs expenditure on these systems both internally and in relation to work performed on its behalf by the National Institute of Agricultural Botany and other bodies. In the financial year 1985–86, internal expenditure, mainly attributable to administration, is estimated at £0.3 million. Payments to NIAB, which account for the bulk of the operational expenditure, are estimated at £0.5 million for plant breeders rights and £1.3 million for national listing. My Ministry also incurs expenditure in respect of plant breeders rights and national listing in Northern Ireland and in respect of the former in Scotland.