To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reasons he decided to reduce the budget for the Marine and Fisheries Agency from 2007-08 to 2008-09; and if he will make a statement. (190461)

The operational budget has not been reduced. The Marine and Fisheries Agency initial budget for 2008-09 is based on 2007-08 operational responsibilities. Additional resources for any other activities that the MFA may be asked to undertake in 2008-09 will be provided accordingly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will place in the Library copies of correspondence between his Department and the Marine and Fisheries Agency on the setting of the agency's budget for 2008-09; and if he will make a statement. (190462)

Information about the Marine and Fisheries Agency's resources, budget, priorities and activities is set out in their business plan for 2008-09, copies of which I will arrange to be placed in the Library of the House.

However, I do not plan to place in the Library, copies of correspondence between DEFRA and the Marine and Fisheries Agency on the setting of the Agency's budget for 2008-09. It would not be conducive to setting a responsible and balanced budget for the Department and its delivery bodies, and would be to the detriment of public service provision.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what grant in aid he plans to provide to the Marine and Fisheries Agency in each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement. (190463)

As an Executive Agency, the Marine and Fisheries Agency receives an allocation from DEFRA not grant in aid.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he informed the Marine and Fisheries Agency of its budget for 2008-09; and if he will make a statement. (190464)

The MFA received formal confirmation of its initial allocation shortly before the public announcement in DEFRA’s press release of 21 February 2008.