§ Mr. Geraint HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with both the358W farming unions in Wales regarding his proposals to cut his Department's budget on research and development; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerMy noble Friend, the Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries arid Food, has had discussions with the farming unions and other representatives of the industry about the Government's proposals to withdraw public funding from near market research and development. My officials have also had contacts with the farming unions. The Welsh Office has no budget for agricultural research and development.