§ Mr. Geraint HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the agriculture industry in Wales about the future of research and development in agriculture; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerMy noble Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has had discussions with various sectors of the farming industry, including the farming unions, about the 643W Government's proposals to withdraw public funding from near market research and development. My officials have also had contacts with the farming unions.