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Northern Ireland Office

Answer

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.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

18182; 291 c661W

Session

1996-97

Subjects

Agriculture Civil servants Northern Ireland Staff Research Government research establishments Northern Ireland Office Northern Ireland Agricultural Research Institute Scientists

Contains statistics

Yes