Plant Breeding Institute and National Seed Development Organisation

HC Deb 18 February 1986 vol 92 cc108-9W

Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether the Government have come to any decision about the future of the Plant Breeding Institute and the National Seed Development Organisation.

Sir Keith Joseph

The Agriculture Ministers and I have decided that a transfer of the National Seed Development Organisation and part of the Plant Breeding Institute to the private sector would be desirable provided that it can be achieved on satisfactory terms. We will now be consulting interested parties and will be seeking assistance from financial advisers. I shall make a further statement in due course.