§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action is currently undertaken by his Department to extend long-term protection to the crops that are poorly represented in long-term gene banks and to their wild relatives.
§ Mr. CurryThe Department currently funds a number of plant genetic resource collections, including the vegetable gene bank at Wellesbourne, Warwickshire and the collections of wild species at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Wakehurst Place. Earlier this year the Department, in collaboration with the Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department, completed a review of United Kingdom policy in this area, taking account of present collections, international developments, and future requirements. The findings of that review were made publicly available and its recommendations are now being implemented with a view to improved coverage and co-ordination, value for money, and utilisation of collections.