HC Deb 01 March 1988 vol 128 cc544-5W
Ms. Primarolo

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if the report on agricultural research and development in the United Kingdom will be published;

(2) what steps he intends to take to enable hon. and right hon. Members, the agricultural industry, consumer groups and other concerned organisations to comment on the report on agricultural research and development in the United Kingdom before decisions based on the report's findings are taken;

(3) when the report on agricultural research and development in the United Kingdom will be completed.

Mr. Donald Thompson

[holding answer 29 February 1988]: The current examination of Agricultural Departments' research and development programmes (including work on fisheries and food) is an internal exercise which it would not be appropriate to publish. It is part of the normal process within Government of reviewing policy. I expect to receive a report in a few weeks' time but cannot yet say what consultations might be appropriate in the light of this advice or when any subsequent decisions might be taken. I will, however, keep the House informed of developments.

Ms. Primarolo

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated cost of producing the report on agricultural research and development in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Donald Thompson

[holding answer 29 February 1988]: The current internal review of Agricultural Departments' research and development programmes is expected to cost around £40,000.

Ms. Primarolo

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the definition of the term "near market research" that is being used in the report on agricultural research and development in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Donald Thompson

[holding answer 29 February 1988]: Near market research is not a term of art and there is no formal definition of it. It is, however, a convenient way of referring to the sort of work of direct commercial benefit which Government believe industry should fund more of. Part of the purpose of the review is to seek to identify what should be classified under this heading.