§ Mr. David Howellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will list the number of advisory staff working in the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service at the latest available date; and what increase or decrease there has been in the previous 12 months.
§ Mr. StrangThe staff of the Ministry's Agricultural Development and Advisory Service are responsible for a wide range of advisory, research, experimental, investigational and promotional work related to the farming industry. It is not possible to separate the advisory function from others.
Against the current authorised non-industrial complement of 5,082 for such staff, the number in post at 1st June 1976 was 4,781 compared with 4,574 at 1st June 1975.
§ Mr. David Howellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has for the further withdrawal of free services on offer from the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service.
§ Mr. StrangMy right hon. Friend has no plans for the withdrawal of free services at present offered by the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service.