§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what research projects sponsored and undertaken by her Department have been(a) cancelled and (b) postponed in the last three months; [60385]
(2) what recent changes have been made to her Department's research budget. [60384]
§ Margaret BeckettThe creation of DEFRA has brought together research, monitoring, surveillance and advisory programmes totalling in excess of £250 million annually. We are currently reviewing our science programmes and strategy following the recent appointment of a new Chief Scientific Adviser and in the light of the aims and objectives of the new Department.