§ 47. Mr. T. Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture the progress being made in this country with regard to hydroponics, and other methods of soil-less culture?
Mr. HudsonThe processes of water and sand culture under glass are being tested at several experimental centres aided by the Ministry, as well as by private persons and commercial firms. The results so far obtained are inconclusive.
§ Mr. SmithAm I right in assuming that the committee of scientific men examined these new methods; and if so, will a summary of their conclusions be at the disposal of the House?
Mr. HudsonA summary of the experimental work up to 1938 was published in the ''Ministry of Agriculture Journal'' in November, 1938. Since then, certain articles have been published, notably one by Reading University and others in two numbers of the "Fruit Grower," in May, 1940. I will see that as the tests are concluded some information is published.
§ Mr. SmithDoes my right hon. Friend remember that many months ago he promised to give a summary of the most up-to-date conclusions? So far, I have not been able to trace them.
Mr. HudsonI am afraid the experiments have not yet reached the stage at which it would be possible to draw conclusions.