HC Deb 27 April 1989 vol 151 cc671-2W
40. Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the National Farmers Union, the Country Landowners Association and other organisations regarding the closure of Liscombe Hill experimental farm and Roswarne experimental station; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ryder

My noble Friend the Parliamentary Secretary held a series of meetings with all interested parties in 1988 concerning our future research and development programme. The facilities required to undertake our R and D programme will form part of further consultations with industry organisations at official level with my noble Friend in May. In addition, my officials are pursuing with local interests those specific proposals that have been made for future funding of work at Liscombe and Rosewarne, bearing in mind the need to meet the full costs of the work retained.

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