HC Deb 04 April 1946 vol 421 cc1389-90
46. Earl Winterton

asked the Lord President of the Council, if, in view of the importance of the matter to food producers here and in the British Commonwealth, he will order a White Paper to be published, showing the information in the possession of the Department of Scientific Research, in regard to the production of cereals in the U.S.A. other than by the ordinary method of cultivation of the land.

Mr. H. Morrison

I am not aware that the soilless cultivation of cereals is practised commercially in the U.S.A., but if the Noble Lord will give me further particulars of what he has in mind I will consider making further inquiries.

Earl Winterton

In view of the fact that hydrophonics is a new science, will the right hon. Gentleman communicate with the Attaché to our Ambassador in Washington to get the fullest possible information on the subject?

Mr. Morrison

We have made some inquiries, but I understand that they have not yet got beyond the stage of the possible utility of these methods in connection with tomatoes and certain other intensive crops. I am advised that it is not within the field of practical politics with regard to cereals. If the Noble Lord has any guidance to give which will warrant further inquiries, I shall be very pleased to make them.