HL Deb 23 July 1996 vol 574 cc115-6WA
Lord Carter

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make a statement on the outcome of the prior options review of ADAS R&D.

Lord Lucas

Following the prior options review the Government has decided that all of ADAS's R&D functions are suitable for privatisation. My right honourable friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced on 28th June 1995 that most of ADAS's non R&D functions would be privatised (Hansard, 28th June 1995, col. 696). The ADAS Research Centres will therefore form part of the body to be transferred to the private sector.

My right honourable friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 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.