§ Sir Trevor SkeetTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what research funds he proposes to distribute to the Agriculture and Food Research Council; and what is his estimate of the total of departmental allocations to the Council.
Mr. JacksonMy right hon. Friend is currently considering the advice of the Advisory Board for the Research Councils on the allocation of the additional money for science in 1988–89 announced on 3 November. He expects to announce his decision on allocations shortly.
The Agriculture and Food Research Council will also receive funds from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for commissioned work. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has still to confirm the total research that he will be commissioning in 1988–89.