HC Deb 09 November 1988 vol 140 cc200-1W
Mr. Hood

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement listing the reasons for the latest cuts in agricultural research; and what is the most recent figure for the level of the cuts.

Mr. Ryder

My Department's examination of its research and development programme took place against the objectives outlined in the July 1987 White Paper on civil research and development (Cm. 185) and the Government's view that research which offers the prospect of commercial application or exploitation within a reasonable timescale is appropriate for funding by the industry. As announced in the Autumn Statement, funding for near market R & D has been reduced by £5 million for 1990–91 and £14 million for 1991–92. Together with the reduction announced last year, this is equivalent to a reduction in 1991–92 of £30 million at full economic cost. Final decisions on the future level of Government funding will not be made until after consultations with industry have been completed.

Mr. Hood

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list and give details of the cuts in research funding at each of the agricultural institutes and research centres; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ryder

The full implications of the reductions in public support for near market research and development on individual sectors and programmes will not be known until the extent of industry funding has been established. It is not therefore possible at present to say what the effects will be for any individual research establishment.

Mr. Hood

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has had discussions with the food industry about the future of research and development; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ryder

My right hon. Friend the Minister met representatives of the food industry to discuss future funding of research and development on 24 and 25 February and my noble Friend Baroness Trumpington held further discussions with them on 7 and 12 October. Industry organisations were asked to let us have their considered response by the end of October and we are now examining their submissions.