80. Earl of Dalkeithasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why he proposes to sanction the construction of a new Forestry Research Institute by the Natural Environment Research Council.
§ 81. Mr. Brewisasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the objects and terms of reference of the proposed Forestry Research Institute to be built by the Natural Environment Research Council.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsUnder its Charter the Council has responsibility for supporting long-term forestry research. Examination of the future needs of forestry and woodland research has revealed the need for more long-term objective basic research which justifies establishing a small permanent forestry research institute financed from the vote for Civil Science.
The Institute will concentrate on research on genetics of forest trees, tree physiology and nutrition, and biological control of forest pests and diseases. Its work, which will have regard to the needs of public and private forestry, will be co-ordinated with the research programmes of the Forestry Commission and the Nature Conservancy.