§ 58. Mr. Dyeasked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is the policy of his Department to continue to grow as much cocksfoot grass-seed as possible in this country in order to meet our own requirements.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsIt is the policy of my Department to encourage the home production of cocksfoot to the extent that the various strains are in demand by United Kingdom farmers and subject to an economic level of prices.
§ Mr. DyeIs my right hon. Friend aware that some farmers in Norfolk have been advised to plough up their cocksfoot in view of the rather large importation of seed from Denmark?
§ Mr. WilliamsI understand that the production of Aberystwyth types of cocks-foot seed this season is substantially in excess of demand while the home production of Danish strains is less than is required. The Danish strain is earlier maturing on the Scottish farms and this has brought about this year's importation.
§ Mr. Manningham-BullerIs not the real position that the Minister has agreed to the importation of far too much of this seed?
§ Mr. WilliamsNo, Sir.