National Fruit Collection

HC Deb 05 February 1990 vol 166 cc494-5W

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will play a co-ordinating role in relation to the responsibilities for science in relation to the decision to move the national fruit collection from Brogdale to Wye college.

Mr. Maclean

The arrangements for moving the national fruit collection to Wye college and for its subsequent maintenance there will be covered by a contract between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the college. This will include any Ministry-funded scientific work in the collection. A small advisory group of independent scientists will oversee compliance with the contract. We see no need for further co-ordination.