§ Mr. Tudor Watkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether a decision has been reached on the proposals made to him affecting the future of the National Institute of Agricultural Botany.
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§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesYes. The Council of the Institute and I have carefully considered, in the light of the views of the Fellows and the constituent organisations, the Report of the Joint Review Group recommending a number of changes at the Institute and in its relationship with the Ministry. We have put as our first consideration the worldwide reputation of the Institute as a scientifically independent body testing plant varieties and giving impartial advice on them to farmers and growers. We have also had in mind the need for a measure of reorganisation in view of the services now provided by the Institute as a result of the Plant Varieties and Seeds Act, 1964, and the substantial sums voted annually by the House for grant in aid to the Institute.
We have now agreed that the Institute will remain an independent foundation under the Charitable Trusts Acts. The Institute's staff, working under the Director, will continue to be employed by the Council. There will be some strengthening of the Ministry's representation on the Council and on the Executive Committee. The Council will set up a Statutory Services Committee. Funds will continue to be provided, subject to the authority of the House, by means of grant in aid, and improved arrangements will be introduced for budgeting and control of expenditure. The new arrangements are intended to take effect from the beginning of next year.
I am satisfied that these arrangements are in the interests of the Institute and of all those who benefit from its work.