§ 31. Mr. Nicholas BakerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the future funding of agricultural research and development expenditure.
§ Mr. RyderMy Department's examination of its research and development programme took place against the objectives outlined in the July 1987 White Paper on civil research and development (Cm 185) and the Government's view that research which offers the prospect of commercial application or exploitation within a reasonable time scale is appropriate for funding by the industry. As announced in the Autumn Statement, funding for near market R and D has been reduced by £5 million for 1990–91 and £14 million for 1991–92. Together with the reduction announced last year this is equivalent to a reduction in 1991–92 of £30 million at full economic cost. Final decisions on the future level of Government funding will not be made until after consultations with industry have been completed.
§ 54. Mr. DarlingTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the agricultural industry about the future of research and development in agriculture; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregorFollowing earlier discussions I had with the industry, my noble friend the Parliamentary Secretary has held meetings with all sectors of the agricultural horticultural and food industries to discuss the fututre funding of near market research and development following the completion of the Barnes review. More detailed consultations with the industry have taken place with officials from my Department. Industry organisations were asked to give their considered response by the end of October and these are now being studied.
§ 56. Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the likely future contributions of the agricultural industry towards research and development; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RyderNo such assessment has yet been made. We are currently examining industry's considered responses and consultations are continuing.