HC Deb 13 February 1990 vol 167 cc197-8W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what amount was spent on(a) research and (b) development on (i) food safety, (ii) food quality and (iii) food processing for each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

The table sets out figures showing the expenditure by Government on food R and D over the past 10 years. Data on expenditure on food quality, safety and processing are not readily available before 1984–85. Figures for research and development separately are not available.

The Government are firmly committed to funding research on food safety and hygiene issues of concern to consumers, producers and industry.

Government spending on food R & D (at current prices)
of which primary AIM:
Total food R&D expenditure Safety Quality Processing
£ million £ million
1980–81 9.7 n/a n/a n/a
1981–82 13.6 n/a n/a n/a
1982–83 16.2 n/a n/a n/a
1983–84 17.8 n/a n/a n/a
1984–85 20.4 14.6 16.0 19.0
1985–86 23.5 5.2 7.1 11.2
1986–87 24.6 5.1 7.3 12.2
1987–88 26.4 29.7 — 316.7
1988–89 28.8 210.9 — 317.9
1989–904 31.5 21l.5 — 320.0

Notes: n/a Figures not readily available.

1 £0.8 million is not attributable to subject area.

2 Change of definition in 1987–88; aimed primarily at food safety and applied nutrition.

3 Change of definition in 1987–88: aimed primarily at food quality and technology.

4 Provisional.