§ Mr. Lilleyasked the Prime Minister if, in view of their departmental interests in the services provided by the Soil Survey of England and Wales, she will extend the joint Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Department of the Environment Committee considering its funding to include officials of the Ministry of Defence, Department of Education and Science and Welsh Office.
§ The Prime MinisterIn my reply of 13 December at column 547, to my hon. Friend I made clear that I did not favour the idea of joint departmental funding. In the light of the decision announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on future funding by his Department, I believe the right way forward is for all potential customers, whether in the public or in the private sector, to examine their future needs and to consider whether the Soil Survey might undertake any work which is required.