HC Deb 22 April 1985 vol 77 cc371-2W
Mr. Steel

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the cut in his Department's budget for research and development; and what proportion of these favoured an increase in the research and development budget.

Mr. Jopling

[pursuant to his reply, 19 April 1985, c. 300]: I have received a number of representations expressing concern about the possible impact of the revised provisions for expenditure by the Agriculture Departments on research and development. Only one has suggested that expenditure in this area should be increased beyond previous planning levels.

Mr. Steel

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department's estimates of publicly-funded agricultural research and development given in the debate on 13 March, Official Report, column 412, included the amount spent in the university sector.

Mr. Jopling

[pursuant to his reply, 19 April 1985, c. 300]: The figure of £160 million given in the debate included the amount spent in the university sector on contracted research. It did not include approximately £4.4 million in research grants awarded by the Agricultural and Food Research Council and approximately £1.4 million paid under postgraduate training schemes. In addition research is conducted in universities using funds allocated by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science by way of block grants on the advice of the University Grants Committee.

Mr. Steel

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement outlining the main objectives of Government-supported agricultural research; and what long-term uplans existed for such research

Mr. Jopling

[pursuant to his reply, 19 April 1985, c. 300]: The main objectives of Government-supported agricultural research are to advance scientific knowledge relevant to agriculture (including horticulture) in order to increase the efficiency of the industry, to safeguard and improve the quality of food for the community, to protect the environment and the welfare of farm animals and to prevent adverse social effects. The research programme is subject to regular review and Agriculture Ministers and the Agricultural and Food Research Council will be guided in their determination of future priorities by the advice of the Priorities Board on Research and Development in Agriculture and Food.