§ Mr. Wardasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that the agriculture industry benefits fully from results of research and innovation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StrangI recognise that the swift translation of the results of research and innovation into commercial fanning practice, which has always been a large part of the responsibility of my Departments Agricultural Development and Advisory Service, is essential to the future well-being of the industry. However, many86W processed meat for human consumption each year since 1973.
§ Mr. BishopEstimates of food supplies moving into human consumption in the United Kingdom are published each year by my Department in "Food Facts". The average per capita figures for meat becoming available for consumption in a fresh or processed form for the years 1973 to 1976, together with the year-on-year changes, are shown in the table:
important scientific and technical developments require critical testing on a farm scale under a wider range of commercial conditions than is possible at present before they are ready for general adoption. To meet this growing need, ADAS is to initiate a series of joint "Development Farm" ventures in collaboration with practising farmers. I believe that these projects have considerable potential in proving new ideas and speeding their successful uptake amongst farmers and growers.