HC Deb 04 February 1988 vol 126 c733W
70. Mr. George Howarth

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to make an announcement about the future of research and development in agriculture, fisheries and food.

Mr. MacGregor

The Government are looking at the issues of better targeting of Government expenditure on science and technology R and D and the reappraisal of priorities to achieve the most effective exploitation of results. In MAFF we are currently reviewing the balance of our own programmes against this background and the Government's general view that industry should fund more of the work of benefit to it. I will inform the House of any developments.