HL Deb 05 July 1985 vol 465 c1466WA
Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they intend to introduce legislation to enable the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service to charge farmers for advice, and if so, when, and what further consultations they expect to hold with the farming industry and other interests before introducing such legislation.

Lord Belstead

When my right honourable friend announced on 13th November 1984 the publication of Professor Bell's report on a study of ADAS, he made clear that primary legislation would be needed to implement the recommendation that those who benefit from the services provided by ADAS should contribute to its cost. The Government intend to legislate at an early opportunity.

The industry was given an opportunity to comment formally on the Bell Report following its publication and is being kept informed of the progress on the implementation studies announced by my right honourable friend in his Statement on 13th November 1984.