HC Deb 05 March 1997 vol 291 cc661-2W
Dr. Strang

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many food and agriculture scientists were employed in Government-funded food and science establishments by his Department on(a) the most recent date available and (b) 31 March (i) 1995, (ii) 1990, (iii) 1985 and (iv) 1980. [18182]

Mr. Ancram

In addition to the number of food and agriculture scientists employed by the Department, details of which were given to him in a response earlier today, the following food and agriculture scientists are employed by ARINI—the Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland:

  • February 1997: 46
  • March 1995: 51
  • March 1990: 39

The information was provided by ARINI who have advised that in the time available it was not possible to provide information for earlier years. They have further advised that up to 1990 the food and agriculture scientists employed by ARINI would have worked solely on projects funded by the Department. However, since then there has been an increase in commercial research which required a commensurate increase in scientific staff. In the time available it has not been possible to sub-divide the number of staff into those working on projects funded by the Department and those working on commercially funded projects.

Dr. Strang

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many food and agriculture scientists were employed on Government-funded projects at the Agriculture and Food Research Council and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council establishments by his Department on(a) the most recent date available and (b) 31 March (i) 1995, (ii) 1990, (iii) 1985 and (iv) 1980. [18184]

Mr. Ancram

The Department does not employ staff at either establishment.

Dr. Strang

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many food and agriculture scientists were employed on Government-funded projects at ADAS establishments by his Department on(a) the most recent date available and (b) 31 March (i) 1995, (ii) 1990, (iii) 1985 and (iv) 1980. [18183]

Mr. Ancram

The Department does not employ staff at ADAS establishments.

Dr. Strang

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many food and agriculture scientists were employed on Government-funded projects at the Central Science Laboratory by his Department on (a) the most recent date available and (b) 31 March (i) 1995, (ii) 1990, (iii) 1985 and (iv) 1980. [18185]

Mr. Ancram

The Department does not employ staff at the Central Science Laboratory.

Dr. Strang

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many scientists were employed on Government-funded projects at the Institute of Food Research by his Department on(a) the most recent date available, and (b) 31 March (i) 1995, (ii) 1990, (iii) 1985 and (iv) 1980. [18187]

Mr. Ancram

The Department does not employ staff at the Institute of Food Research.