HC Deb 30 October 1990 vol 178 cc423-4W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to restructure his priorities board for research and development.

Mr. Gummer

The membership of the priorities board for research and development in agriculture and food was expanded in June this year to include two more independent members. It now comprises an independent chairman, six independent members, MAFF's chief scientific adviser, a DAFS scientific adviser and the secretary to the AFRC. The full membership of the board is as follows:—

  • Dr. N. Brian Smith CBE
  • Professor T. L. Blundell FRS (with effect from 1 January 1991)
  • Mr. S. G. Metcalfe
  • Mr. J. G. Rymer
  • Dr. P. J. Bunyan FRSC
  • Dr. T. W. Hegarty
  • Mr. I. Howie FBIM
  • Mr. G. E. G. Harvey
  • Professor C. J. Leaver FRS
  • Mrs. B. M. Kelly

With the exception of the chairman, each independent board member chairs one of six advisory sectoral groups (ASGs). These provide the board with support and advice on what R and D is being sponsored within Government and industry. They have replaced the 18 occasional research consultative committees which previously reported to the board. The ASGs cover:

  • Ruminants
  • Monogastric Animals
  • Arable Crops
  • Horticulture
  • Food
  • Environment
and bring together representatives from the main funding bodies of R and D from Government and industry in each sector.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has published his response to the food safety and applied nutrition research consultative committee report to the priorities board of November 1989; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

The priorities board for R and D in agriculture and food took account of the food safety and applied nutrition research consultative committee report in preparing its 1990 report to agriculture Ministers and the chairman of the AFRC. The board's advice was accepted and is being implemented.

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