§ Mr. Waltersasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce legislation to set up a fund to indemnify against the consequences of incorrect advice given by Agricultural Development and Advisory Service staff; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerThere is no need for a special fund; any established claim against my Department would be met out of public funds as at present.
§ Mr. Waltersasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there are any proposals to reduce the staff employed by the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerAs at 1 April 1986, 4,683 ADAS staff were in post. As regards post losses, I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister on 27 February 1986 to my hon. Friend the Member for Teignbridge (Mr. Nicholls) at column644.