HC Deb 07 July 1988 vol 136 c739W
84. Mr. Charles Wardle

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will take steps to ensure that as the need of farmers to diversify grows the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service will advise farmers on how to present plans to the local authority free of charge.

Mr. Gummer

General advice on diversification is provided free of charge by the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service. Although detailed advice on individual enterprises is chargeable, grants of 25 per cent. are available under the farm diversification grant scheme towards the cost of professional services, including chargeable ADAS advice, which has been incurred in securing necessary planning consent.