§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy towards the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service charging for advice and services following an emergency; and how this operated the severe storm in south-east England in October 1987.
§ Mr. Donald Thompson[holding answer 27 January 1968]: I am always prepared to look at the case for making appropriate information and advice available without charge following an emergency; but each incident must be considered on its own merits.
In the immediate aftermath of the October storm ADAS provided free general advice on such matters as emergency repairs, ways to preserve produce in cold stores and save damaged trees and glasshouse crops and the financial implications for growers. Advice notes covering the four main horticultural sectors were sent without charge to growers in the worst affected areas and growers in th south-east were also invited to "storm clinics" giving general advice on how to cope with the damage, including the financial implications. ADAS also provided some free help with particular livestock problems.