§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the Nature Conservancy Council about future priorities for research on environmentally sensitive agriculture and nature conservation; and if he will make a statement about the outcome of his research programme.
§ Mr. RyderMinisters and officials of my Ministry keep in close touch with the Nature Conservancy Council at all levels and research priorities are a frequent topic in these contacts.
My Ministry is currently in discussions with the NCC about the direction of projects and programmes concerning the monitoring of environmental effects in environmentally sensitive areas, set-aside and the interrelationship between agriculture and the environment, including wildlife and water quality.