Horticulture Research International

HC Deb 15 October 2002 vol 390 c586W

Mr. Swayne

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement about the future financing of Horticulture Research International. [74660]

Mr. Morley

Horticulture Research International (HRI) is undergoing a Quinquennial Review of its performance, organisational status and relationship with Defra. The Review Team's report was published on 23 September. Stakeholders have been invited to provide comments on the report by 18 November before Ministers take final decisions about HRI's future, including its funding arrangements. These decisions will also be informed by further analysis of the financial implications of implementing the Review Team's recommendations.