Agriculture and the Environment

HC Deb 22 January 1987 vol 108 cc723-4W

17. Mr. Greg Knight

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action is being taken to reconcile the needs of agriculture and the environment.

41. Sir Hector Monro

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action is being taken to reconcile the needs of agriculture and of the environment.

Mr. Jopling

It is, and has been for some time, the Government's policy to integrate environmental objectives into the design of agricultural policy. To this end I have sought in my recent organisation of the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service to ensure that it is in the best possible position to balance its advice on efficient agricultural production with advice on relevant environmental considerations. The new front-line Farm and Countryside Service will provide expert advice that combines all these elements.