§ 29. Mr. Clellandasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what current responsibility the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service has for giving conservation advice to farmers.
§ Mrs. FennerUnder section 41(1) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 we are required to make provision for advice on the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty and amenity of the countryside to be given free of charge to persons carrying on agricultural businesses. This advice is provided by the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service.
In addition, section 11 of the Countryside Act 1968 imposes on Ministers and Government Departments a general duty to have regard to the desirability of conserving the natural beauty and amenity of the countryside. The Agricultural Development and Advisory Service is required to have this duty in mind when giving advice to farmers.