HC Deb 24 July 1985 vol 83 cc563-4W
Mr. Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the implications for animal welfare of the 16 per cent. cut in research into animal diseases proposed in the agriculture and food research service report, "A Long Term View"; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Younger

The Agricultural and Food Research Council's recent paper "A Long Term View" is concerned with management roles and structures and makes no recommendations about levels of research activity.

The council's corporate plan for 1985–1990 proposes a 16 per cent. reduction in research in animal diseases but I would not expect this to affect work on animal welfare which is funded under a separate heading.