§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what areas have been identified in relation to(a) climate and (b) soil conditions as a successor-home to Brogdale for the national fruit collection; what representations he has had from Wye college for taking responsibility for Brogdale; and what is his cost estimate of taking four grafts of every specimen or variety and replanting them in suitable soil conditions, on a site other than Brogdale.
§ Mr. CurryThe Ministry is in negotiation with two organisations, the East Mailing Trust and Wye college, which have both expressed an interest in taking on the management of the national fruit collection. This would involve moving the collection from Brogdale to either East Mailing or Wye respectively. Consideration of these two sites will include an assessment of the suitability of climate and soil conditions. The costs of moving the collection by propagation and replanting will vary depending on the precise arrangements but initial estimates suggest that the total costs (including all materials and labour) could be of the order of £100,000 to £150,000, which would be spread over a four or five-year period.