§ Mr. Jim Spicerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what steps he proposes to take to ensure the continued availability of comprehensive information on the properties and distribution of the nation's soils and their suitability for particular purposes;
(2) why he proposes to reduce the funds available to the soil survey of England and Wales.
§ Mrs. FennerWe are considering the funding of the work of the Soil Survey of England and Wales following my Ministry's recent review of commissioned research and development in soil science. My Ministry reviews regularly the needs and priorities for all the research and development work it commissions to ensure that the funds available are spent to the best advantage. The survey is part of the Agricultural and Food Research Council. We shall be considering the views of the council and we have also consulted the new Priorities Board for Research and Development in Agriculture and Food about the future of the Survey. We shall not be taking a final decision until we have considered these views.