To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what account he took of the commitments and likely spending of the Marine and Fisheries Agency (MFA) in the next financial year when reducing the MFA budget from 2007-08 to 2008-09; and if he will make a statement. (190944)

The operational budget has not been reduced. The Marine and Fisheries Agency (MFA) 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.

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

The commitments and requirements of the MFA were taken into account as part of the Department’s business planning and budget allocation process.