HC Deb 30 October 1986 vol 103 cc202-3W
Mr. Torney

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science to what extent cuts in expenditure have affected Rothampsted experimental research station; and whether further cuts are contemplated.

Mr. Walden

Rothampsted experimental station (RES) is a grant-aided institute of the Agricultural and Food Research Council (AFRC). I understand from the AFRC that reductions in funding have resulted in the termination, deferment and curtailment of some work at RES. This includes work on the regulation of plant processes, soil properties and composition, soil fertility and plant nutrition, crops and their environment, yield variation and aerobiology, pests of non-cereal arable crops and soil management and cultivation.

The work programme of the soil survey and land resources centre (SSLRC), located at RES, is being curtailed following reductions in the funds for work commissioned by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Decisions about future financial provision for RES will be taken by AFRC once my right hon. friend, on the advice of the Advisory Board for the Research Councils, has decided the level of the council's grant-in-aid for 1987–88. These decisions will be taken towards the end of this calendar year.

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