§ Mr. Torneyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when socio-economic information and advice will be made available to the agricultural community as required by EEC Directive 72/161.
§ Mr. PeartThe necessary arrangements for carrying out this work have been made, and advice in this field is now available in England and Wales through my Department's Agricultural Development and Advisory Service.
The information and advice which ADAS already offers on agricultural matters is an essential contribution to the implementation of the directive. In future, its scope will be broadened so that those engaged in agriculture who are in doubt about their prospects in the industry may be better informed of wider possibilities when making decisions about their future. These possibilities may include developing the farm business, supplementing farm income through non-farming activities, taking a full-time job outside agriculture or retirement. ADAS will work in close co-operation with other organisations from which relevant information and advice on non-farming subjects are available. There will be no duplication of effort.
Similar arrangements are being made by the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Northern Ireland.