HC Deb 13 July 1978 vol 953 c771W
Mr. Kenneth Clarke

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied with the present level of support for research in food science and human nutrition; and whether the Government has any plans to increase that level of support.

Mr. Strang

My right hon. Friend the Minister intends to increase expenditure on food science research when resources become available. Research into human nutrition is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health and Social Services.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total level of Government support for research in food science and human nutrition; and by what agencies that support is distributed.

Mr. Strang

The current level of Government expenditure on research in food science is estimated to be £6.1 million, of which my Department contributes £3.9 million; the rest is expended in the agricultural research service and funded by grant from the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland. Responsibility for research in human nutrition lies with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health and Social Security.