HC Deb 12 June 1989 vol 154 cc298-9W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received regarding the cut in funding for the royal botanic gardens at Kew.

Mr. Ryder

None.

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the arrangements whereby his Department funds the royal botanic gardens at Kew; and what are the funding levels from his Department for the last three years and for the next two years.

Mr. Ryder

My Department provides funds for the royal botanic gardens, Kew by means of an annual grant in aid. This grant in each of the last three years amounted to:

£
11987–88 11,387,000
11988–89 210,987,000
11989–90 310.598,000
1 The downward trend in funding over this period reflects the completion of a major capital works programme.
2 Provisional outturn.
3 Estimated outturn.

Present plans for provision of grant in aid over the next two years are for expenditure of £11 million in 1990–91 and £11.2 million in 1991–92, but these will need to be considered, together with other priorities, in the course of the public expenditure surveys.

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are his projections of staffing levels at the royal botanic gardens, Kew.

Mr. Ryder

Manpower planning at the royal botanic gardens, Kew is a matter for the board of trustees.