§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he has taken to allow the staff of Soil Survey to seek alternative sources of funding before the cutbacks in resources affect their work.
§ Mrs. FennerIn January this year I announced that, following a review of needs and priorities in relation to soil research, my Department's funding of the Soil Survey would remain unchanged in 1985–86, but would be reduced to half its current level in 1986–87. This early notification of the level of funding which will apply next year was intended to give the Soil Survey an opportunity to develop its funding from commercial activities. I understand that the income from such work is rising.