§ 50. Mr. J. H. Hareasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will make a statement on the hitherto unknown disease affecting barley in East Anglia; and whether any steps can be taken to counter the disease either for this harvest crop or in future years.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe condition to which the hon. Member refers has appeared only this month and its cause and extent are now being actively investigated. I cannot usefully make a statement at present.
§ Mr. HareWill the right hon. Gentleman see that early steps are taken to deal with this disease because what is happening is causing great uncertainty in East Anglia? The right hon. Gentleman will agree that it would be wise to allay the fears in the minds of many farmers.
§ Mr. WilliamsI can assure the hon. Member that the problem is being actively investigated by the National Agricultural Advisory Service.