HC Deb 15 May 1941 vol 371 cc1257-8
52. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his expert advisers have reported on the advantages or disadvantages of the chemical conversion of wheat, barley and oat straw into straw pulp for feeding-stuff for cattle; and whether large quantities of this substance are likely to be made available in the future?

Mr. Hudson

Presumably the chemical treatment of straw with caustic soda is referred to. This process is now being experimentally operated on many farms throughout the country. Feeding trials are also being conducted under the auspices of the Ministry and the Agricultural Research Council. Reports of both the practical and scientific experiments are now coming in, and I hope shortly to be in a position to assess the extent to which this development might contribute to the provision of some additional feeding-stuffs.

Mr. Sorensen

Is this substance now being offered for sale, and has the Minister yet found out whether the substance has any deleterious effect on the cattle?

Mr. Hudson

The process is now being experimentally operated on many farms throughout the country, and we expect to get the results shortly.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the substance on sale?

Mr. Hudson

There is no reason why it should not be on sale.