§ 12. Mr. C. BATHURSTasked if the right hon. Gentleman has recently received an influential deputation of agriculturists and traders urging the desirability of establishing a national seed-testing station; and whether he has taken, or proposes to take, any action in the matter?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have not yet received a deputation on the subject to which the hon. Member refers. In answer to two requests recently made to me, I asked to be supplied in the first instance with a written statement of the proposals which it is desired to submit to me. When I have had an opportunity of considering these statements, I shall be in a better position to decide whether it is necessary for me to receive a deputation.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTIn view of the widespread adulteration of seeds, is the right hon. Gentleman sympathetic with the idea of establishing a seed-testing station?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI should like to hear what the deputation has to say before I give my reply.