Animal and Poultry Research Establishments

HC Deb 06 March 1997 vol 291 cc687-8W

Mr. Eric Clarke

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the proposed funding reductions to animal and poultry research establishments in Scotland; and what meetings he has had with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food concerned to discuss the consequences. [17967]

Mr. Raymond S. Robertson

The main animal and poultry research establishment in Scotland is the Roslin Institute in Midlothian, whose largest source of funding is the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. That funding is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, but I am advised that, while some reductions will take place as a result of existing projects coming to an end and of changes in MAFF's policy requirements, MAFF will continue to fund a substantial programme of research at the Roslin Institute in 1997–98 covering wide range of its programme.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has had no meetings with my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on this matter.