HC Deb 19 February 1942 vol 377 cc1899-900
52. Dr. Russell Thomas

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has any information as to the nature and quantity of vegetables grown privately by hydro-ponic methods during 1941?

Mr. Hudson

The vegetable crops usually selected for the application of hydro-ponic methods are tomatoes and lettuce. While I have no information as to the actual quantities of these and other vegetables grown privately by such methods in 1941, I have no reason to think that they were appreciable.

Dr. Thomas

Will my right hon. Friend encourage this soil-less method of production among a large number of people who have backyards but no gardens, and thereby increase the vegetable production of the country?

Mr. MacLaren

There is plenty of land in the country.

Mr. T. Smith

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider giving wider circulation to the very excellent pamphlets on research work which has been done in connection with these methods of cultivation?

Mr. MacLaren

It is all absolutely nonsensical.