§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what research he has commissioned into organic production techniques. [84358]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesNone. The research budget is administered by MAFF on behalf of England and Wales. Welsh views are reflected in the programme of work commissioned by MAFF. In 1999–2000 over £2 million will be spent on organic RD in England and Wales. Most of this is aimed at studying the economic and practical problems of converting to, and maintaining, organic systems. It thus supports the overall objective of expanding production.