asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the future prospects of the centre for tropical veterinary medicine in Midlothian; and what criteria are being used in the reduction of its budget.

My present intention is to continue to finance on a somewhat reduced scale work which is being done at this centre for the benefit of needy developing countries. The exact nature and timetable of the reductions in this case are still under discussion between my Department and the director of the centre.