HC Deb 08 February 1982 vol 17 cc295-8W
Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what is the present staff establishment, and in what categories, at the research station at Long Ashton;

(2) how many staff are currently employed in the food and beverage division of the Long Ashton research station; and if he will make a statement on the future of the section;

(3) how many staff are currently employed in the pomology division of the Long Ashton research station; and if he will make a statement on the future of the division;

(4) how many staff are currently employed in the ciderhouse section of the Long Ashton research station; and if he will make a statement on their function;

(5) how many staff are currently employed in the home food science section of Long Ashton research station; and if he will make a statement on the future of the section.

Mr. William Shelton

The staff establishment by categories at Long Ashton research station as at 1 December 1981 (excluding a small number of appointments sponsored by the private sector) is:

Scientific
CSO 1
DCSO 1
SPSO 7
PSO 37
SSO 20
HSO 40
SO 241/2
ASO 19
1491/2
Administrative
Principal 1
HEO 1
EO 2

£ million
Year Grant-in-aid from Science budget of DES through Agricultural Research Council Income from other sources Total
1979–80 2.594 0.352 2.946
1980–81 2.976 0.313 3.289
1981–82 3.582 0.350 3.932

Pers. Sec. 4
CO 91/2
CA 21/2
Typ/Tel 51/2
251/2
Other Non-Industrials
P & TO 12
Photographer 2
Graphics officers 1
Stores/supplies 1
Process and general supplies 11
Lab attendant 2
Messenger 1/2
Librarian 1
Cleaners 7
Photoprinter 1
391/2

Skilled
Craftsmen 10
Semi-skilled
Experimental workers Bands 1 to 4 341/2
Unskilled 1/2

The total complement of the Station is 2581/2.

The following numbers of staff are currently employed in the Divisions/Sections shown:

Food and beverage division 33
Pomology division 32
Ciderhouse section 51/2
Home food science section 71/2

The function of the ciderhouse section is to provide practical advice on cider-processing techniques and equipment, and to produce cider for experimental purposes (the surplus being sold).

The future of the pomology division and the food and beverage division (of which the home food science and ciderhouse sections are part) is at present under consideration by the Agricultural Research Council, in consultation with interested bodies. Any decisions which may be taken, following these consultations, will be matters for the council, acting under the terms of their Royal Charter.

Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the current estimated expenditure for the last three years ending March 1982 at the research station at Long Ashton; and if he will give all sources of income.

Mr. William Shelton

The provision made from public funds for Long Ashton research station, for the years 1979–80 to 1981–82, is as follows (estimated expenditure in the case of 1981–82):

The source of the great majority of the income in the "Income from Other Sources" column of the above table is the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; the small balance is provided from a number of sources, any single source being insignificant. All the income in this column is in respect of commissioned research.

Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what services the Long Ashton research station through the pomology division provide to the English Vineyards Association; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. William Shelton

The pomology division at Long Ashton research station has maintained informal contacts with the English Vineyard Association since 1975. The services provided have included some open days for association members, production of leaflets giving extracts form published literature on viticulture, and advice to individual members. In addition, the food and beverages division at LARS has given the EVA advice on an informal basis.