§ Mr. Gregoryasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy towards the development of biotechnology designed to utilise agricultural and dairy products to the maximum.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonMy Department supports a wide ranging programme of research which exploits the potential of biotechnology across the agricultural, fisheries and food sectors. The aim of this programme is to improve product quality, develop novel products, improve production systems and combat animal and plant disease. Biotechnological work sponsored by my Department has an annual cost of around £7 million. Within this programme we are constantly alert to the possibility of developing cost-effective methods for greater utlilisation of agricultural products.