§ 31. Mr. Leonardasked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Rothamsted Experimental Station has yet received the details from Dr. Gericke, of California, of the results from chemiculture (soil-less) farming; and whether the station referred to has conducted similar experiments and, if so, with what results?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe Director of the Rothamsted Experimental Station is fully acquainted with the nature of Dr. Gericke's work organised in America to demonstrate the feasibility of liquid culture media for crop production. The information so far available, however, is inadequate to provide for the preparation of complete directions, since the technique is subject to frequent adjustments to meet the character of the growing crop, the water and equipment available, and changes in climate. As soon as sufficient information and experience from commercial tests now in operation in the United States has been secured, it is understood that the question of establishing the method elsewhere will be considered. Until 840 full technical details are available, it is considered that it would be premature to repeat experiments under British conditions.
§ Mr. LeonardIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in America there is already on sale all the necessary equipment for this new form of chemiculture and that already a considerable amount of protective forms of food are on the market on a commercial basis?
§ Mr. MorrisonCertain progress has been made in that direction, but I am told that the process is being developed from day to day, and that many changes are made in equipment. We prefer to wait until it is advanced a little further before conducting experiments here.
§ Mr. MacquistenWhat is the liquid in which they grow the produce?