§ Lord Melchettasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they agree with the statement made by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in an article published on the 8th April that: "the growth of Farming and Wildlife Advisory Groups 543WA …are indications that farmers and landowners are sympathetic towards conservation", and whether the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food's decision not to provide any funds for the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group indicates a lack of sympathy towards conservation on the Government's behalf.
Earl FerrersThere has been a remarkable increase in the number of branches of the Farming and Wildlife Group. The first group was formed in 1970 and there are in England today no fewer than 33 county groups covering 34 counties. There are two main reasons for this increase. First, the support and the encouragement which has been given to the group by the officers and members of the National Farmers' Union, the Country Landowners' Association, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Royal Society for Nature Conservation, the Nature Conservancy Council and the Countryside Commission.
Secondly, the commitment, support and assistance which has been given to the Headquarters and County Groups by officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in particular those of the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service, many of whom are chairmen or secretaries of county groups. The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has made it clear, in a recent letter to the presidents of these six bodies, that this contribution in kind by his department is the most effective means of providing support to the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group at this time.