HC Deb 09 December 1985 vol 88 cc483-4W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the availability of conservation advice in respect of field drainage design will be advertised in literature promoting the new agricultural and development advisory service field drainage design service.

Mrs. Fenner

We have no current plans to advertise the availability of conservation advice in the literature promoting the field drainage design service. In the exercise of all their functions relating to land, agricultural development and advisory service officers have regard to the desirability of conserving the natural beauty and amenity of the countryside.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in what circumstances written conservation advice will be provided as part of the field drainage design service.

Mrs. Fenner

Where conservation interests seem likely to be involved in relation to individual field drainage design service schemes, appropriate measures will be taken by the agricultural development and advisory service to draw them to the attention of the client.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the field drainage design service, including conservation advice, will be available to the non-agricultural sector, such as sporting interests.

Mrs. Fenner

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total number of field drainage schemes on which agricultural and development advisory service staff provided advice each year since 1975; and if he will also indicate this as a proportion of the total number of grant-aided field drainage schemes undertaken in each year.

Mrs. Fenner

I regret that this information is not available.