§ Mr. Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what the proposed reduction in the central Government funding to the Agricultural Advisory Service in Scotland will be in 1987–88, compared with the previous three years; and what effects the reduction will have on the level of service and advice given by the organisation.
§ Mr. John MacKayPlanned expenditure for the agricultural advisory services in Scotland in the years in questions are as follows:42W
Year million 1984–85 7.540 1985–86 7.771 1986–87 7.986 1987–88 4.786 The reduction in funding in 1987–88, which parallels a similar reduction in the funding of the agricultural advisory service provided in England and Wales, reflects the Government's aim that the industry should make a greater financial contribution towards the cost of the advisory services from which it benefits.
The effects of the reduction will depend on the outcome of current discussions with the Scottish agricultural colleges, which provide the advisory services in Scotland, and on the extent to which those who use these services are prepared to contribute towards their cost. I am confident, however, that the colleges will continue to provide a satisfactory level of service to farmers in Scotland.