§ 50. Mr. CousinsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what support is given by the food and agricultural industries to agricultural research and seed certification.
§ Mr. GummerOur best estimates are that the private sector spends around £320 million on research and development on agriculture and food. No direct support is given by the agriculture and food industries to seed certification. The costs incurred by the Agriculture Departments in connections with statutory certification schemes are recovered in full from the seed industry through fees currently prescribed in the Seeds Fees (Amendment) Regulations 1987.