§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes to take in the light of the report on his Department's response to the effects of the Chernobyl disaster by the hon. Member for South Shields (Dr. Clark), a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe Government have already taken action to reflect the experience gained as a result of the Chernobyl accident, through the new national response plan announced on 30 June 1987. As hon. Members will be aware, the Agriculture Committee of this House is currently examining the Government's response to the accident in the light of detailed evidence submitted by my Ministry, amongst others. I shall give careful consideration to the Committee's report.
§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of current agricultural research and development is funded by the industry; and what is his estimate for 1988–89.
§ Mr. MacGregorOur best estimate is that industry funds about two thirds of the country's total agricultural R and D effort. But many companies do not disclose details of their spending and there are also problems in assessing the contribution of multinationals to the total United Kingdom picture.