§ 59. Mr. Liddallasked the Minister of Health, whether he anticipated the shortage of imported medicines by arranging with the Board of Agriculture or the Forestry Commission last autumn to plant medicinal herbs, and with what results for the coming year; and what other steps did he take after being warned last year of the probable shortage by Members of this House?
Mr. M. MacDonaldAs stated in a reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Halifax (Mr. Gledhill) on 1st August last, steps had then been taken to encourage the cultivation of the more important plants. This action is being continued in collaboration with manufacturers of pharmaceutical products and growers in order to increase production of certain herbs which can usefully be grown in this country. I am not aware that for the purpose of manufacture of medicinal preparations considered to be essential in war-time there is any serious shortage.
§ Mr. LiddallCan the right hon. Gentleman give any details of the results?
Mr. MacDonaldI will send them to the hon. Member. They are too many to be given in answer to a Question.