HC Deb 10 March 1980 vol 980 c437W
Mr. Newens

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his policy towards the Strutt report "Agriculture and the Countryside" of May 1978 and the conclusions and recommendations contained therein.

Mr. Wiggin

My right hon. Friend has endorsed the central recommendation of the Strutt committee report "Agriculture and the Countryside". This is that ADAS should extend its existing knowledge of environmental matters and develop its capacity to provide guidance to farmers on conservation as resources allow.

The discussions on an extension of MAFF's role in providing agricultural advice for local planning authorities which are now taking place between my Department and the Department of the Environment include consideration of the planning recommendations of the Strutt report.