HC Deb 22 June 1989 vol 155 cc254-5W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give the number of training courses given on protectiing rivers and streams from agricultural pollution by the agricultural development advisory service officers on(a) a national basis and (b) a regional basis; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ryder

ADAS provides routine training for new entrants and specialist and general advisers on pollution avoidance and control measures. The training is undertaken at national and regional level as an integrated part of discipline training, but records are not available of the precise number of courses held.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give the number of training courses given on conservation of wildlife and landscape by the agricultural development advisory service offices on (a) a national basis and (b) a regional basis in each year since 1981; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ryder

Since 1981, 35 national training courses have been held by ADAS on conservation of wildlife and landscape involving approximately 900 advisory officers. Information on regional training over the same period is not available, but since 1987 more than 20 conservation courses have been held in regions. Conservation is also included as an integral part of discipline training for new entrants and ADAS advisers.