§ 39. Mr. GaleTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are his current plans for the maintenance and development of the national fruit collection; where he intends that it should, in the future, be located; who he intends to manage it; how it will be funded; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerThe Government have made clear their intention to continue to fund the national fruit collection. My Department is in active discussion with three organisations interested in taking over responsibility for the management of the national fruit collection in the event of the closure of Brogdale as a Ministry experimental horticultural station. The East Mailing Trust and Wye college would transfer it to their sites whilst Swale borough council is co-ordinating local initiatives to retain it under the direction of a trust at Brogdale. Whichever option may be taken up, the collection will be maintained to a high standard as a living, growing collection.