§ 51. Mr. Sean HughesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the future of agricultural research and development.
§ Mr. GummerI believe agricultural research and development will continue to make a strong and important contribution in the future. My Department is committed to R and D as a means of stimulating technological development in the agricultural industry, and I have encouraged the industry to invest more in its own future. In addition we support work which is aimed at issues of public interest such as food safety, animal welfare and environmental protection.