§ Mr. Andrew WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the representations he has received regarding the future of the Mylnefield research establishment; and if he will make a statement on its future.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythMy right hon. and learned Friend has received 11 letters from growers and others, including one from my hon. Friend the Member for Tayside, North (Mr. Walker) expressing concern about proposed reductions in Government funding of near market horticultural R and D, on the possible outcome of a review currently in hand on the organisation of horticultural R and D throughout Great Britain, and the implications for the future of the Scottish crop research institute at Mylnefield. No final decisions have been made on the future levels of public expenditure on horticultural R and D, or on the organisation of this work, but the continued existence of the Scottish crop research institute is not in question. Horticultural R and D accounts for around £820,000 out of the institute's current budget of £5,650,000.