§ Mr. McTaggartTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the Government's future proposals with regard to the implementation of joint research programmes involving the agrochemical industry into the factors influencing contamination of land and water supplies by pesticides.
§ Mr. RyderFollowing the Autumn Statement by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer my Department announced extra funding of £2 million in 1990–91 rising to £5 million in 1991–92 for strategic arid public good research in a number of areas within its responsibilities including protection of the environment. We are currently preparing programmes internally and will be taking into account the opportunity to involve industry in joint programmes where this is appropriate.