§ Sir Michael McNair-WilsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many agriculture research centres are funded by his Ministry.
§ Mr. Gummer[pursuant to the reply, 29 June 1989, c. 550]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science and I have decided that the horticultural research and development carried out by the Agricultural and Food Research Council and by the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service should be integrated under a reconstituted British Society for Horticultural Research. (BSHR).
This will he headed by a small and strong executive committee, reporting to me and reflecting the tripartite partnership of my Department, my right hon. Friend's funding of the Agricultural and Food Research Council and growers, each of whom will have equal representation. Members of the committee, which will include growers, will be appointed by me and my right hon. Friend. Growers will thus have an influential and effective voice in the new organisation, which will be able to receive funds directly from a range of sources including the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Agricultural and Food Research Council and the industry.
The BSHR will have available to it the facilities at six horticultural research centres. These will be Wellesbourne (which, as already announced, will become the principal 98W horticultural research station), East Mailing (centre for fruit and other perennial crops research and development), the centre for hops research at Wye college, and the experimental horticulture stations at Kirton, Efford and Stockbridge house. The new organisation will bring together the expertise and effort of staff drawn from the AFRC and from ADAS.
The Government believe that bringing the elements of horticultural research and development together in this way will provide a sound basis for the future. Naturally, the Government's support for the BSHR will be influenced by the industry's response, since growers' support will be essential to provide the balanced programme of research and development needed to safeguard the future of British horticulture in a highly competitive international market. We believe that this new integrated organisation will command the confidence of the industry. We are sure that all the partners will work together to bring about a successful launch.