HC Deb 13 May 1971 vol 817 cc159-60W
Q18. Mr. Evelyn King

asked the Prime Minister how many Government Departments have responsibility for scientific research in connection with food and food manufacture; which Department is responsible for what in this context; and if he will arrange for all such research to be administered by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

The Prime Minister

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food already has the main responsibility. The Department of Trade and Industry, through the Torry Research Station, carries out some research on fish as a food; and administers the Laboratory of the Government Chemist which conducts analytical work for a number of Departments. The Agricultural Research Council, whose grant is administered by the Department of Education and Science, also carries out some food research. There is close co-ordination between these Departments: but the Government is already reviewing certain aspects of the organisation of research in this area.