§ Mr. Patrick ThompsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research and development on environmental issues is currently funded by his Department.
§ Mr. GummerThe Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is spending about £50 million a year on research and development related to environmental issues; that is almost half of the Department's total expenditure on research and development of about £120 million. This is a very significant level and underlines the Department's commitment to the soundest science on which to base our policies now and in the future.
I am pleased to announce the publication today of a brochure describing the wide range of environmental research and development that the Department has commissioned on such issues as conservation; water, air and soil protection; pests and pesticides; climate change; farm woodlands and set-aside; flood and coastal defence; genetic conservation and modification; and protection of fisheries and the marine environment. This brochure has been placed in the Library and the Vote Office of the House.