asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science whether a decision has now been reached on the proposals to establish a meat research centre; and if he will make a statement.

The Government has approved proposals by the Agricultural Research Council to establish a meat research centre, at which the present research in this field would be expanded and new basic studies undertaken into the growth and properties of meat tissues and the factors influencing quality. The Government considers that it is justified in calling upon the meat industry to make a contribution towards both the capital and recurrent costs. My right hon. Friends the Agriculture Ministers and my noble Friend propose to arrange a meeting with representative bodies within the industry (including representatives of the producers) as soon as possible and to consult them about the arrangements to be made for the collection of this contribution.