§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what changes he is making to the operation of the farm waste unit, and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonI attach great importance to the work and advice on pollution control undertaken by my Department which I am determined should be carried out as efficiently as possible. The farm waste unit has made a very valuable contribution in this area but there is now far more need for advice at local level. Responsibility for this aspect of its work is being transferred to the regional farm mechanisation advisers, and local ADAS advisers in the field who are better placed to maintain close contact with the customer. The unit's research and development functions will of course continue to be carried out centrally under two specialist posts established for this purpose.