HC Deb 18 July 1996 vol 281 cc635-6W
Mr. Marland

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the outcome of the prior options review of Agricultural Development Advisory Service research and development. [38776]

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Following the prior options review the Government have decided that all of ADAS's research and development functions are suitable for privatisation. I announced on 28 June 1995 at column696 that most of ADAS's non-research and development functions would be privatised. The ADAS research centres will therefore form part of the body to be transferred to the private sector.

My Department is now appointing financial advisers to assist us in managing the sale of all the ADAS functions which do not need to be retained in the public sector. The timing of the sale will be decided in the light of their advice.