§ Mr. John Carlisleasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what additional financial help he intends to give to the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service in the marketing of agricultural and horticultural produce.
§ Mr. WigginArrangements have been made for the reallocation of resources within ADAS to enable this work to be carried out without additional financial provision.
§ Mr. John Carlisleasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations there have been between his Department and the agricultural trade in the new Agricultural Development and Advisory Service marketing effort as announced by him.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerWe have had first round discussions with farming and other interests and further consultations will follow as necessary.
§ Mr. John Carlisleasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current cost to the Exchequer of the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service; and what is the likely cost in the next financial year.
§ Mr. WigginThe net cost of ADAS, inclusive of equipment and travel, is forecast at £61.4 million for 1980–81. The estimate for 1981–82 will be published later this year, but in real terms is not expected to exceed that for the current financial year.
§ Mr. John Carlisleasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will name the leading national and regional marketing experts invited to assist the Agricultural Development and Advisory Services in its new enlarged marketing scheme.
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§ Mr. WigginConsultations are under way and we expect to make appointments shortly.