§ Mr, Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures he is taking to improve agricultural research in Scotland.
§ Mr. YoungerThe programmes of the seven agricultural research institutes in Scotland funded by my Department are subject to regular review and adjustment to reflect the needs and priorities of the industry. In this my Department is advised by the Scottish Agricultural Development Council, the Joint Consultative Organisation for Research and Development in Agriculture and Food, and the Agricultural Research Council.
The organisational structure of agricultural research and development activity is also kept under review. In this connection, as the hon. Member will no doubt be aware, the amalgamation of the former Scottish Horticultural Research Institute and the Scottish Plant Breeding Station into a Scottish Crop Research Institute took place on 1 February.