HC Deb 14 February 1957 vol 564 cc1446-7
51. Mr. B. Harrison

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what progress has been made in the research into the prevention of damage to horticultural crops by spray from neighbouring farms.

59. Sir F. Medlicott

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, as representing the Lord President of the Council, if he is aware of the damage which continues to be caused to horticultural crops by spray from neighbouring farms; and if he will make a statement as to what progress has been made in the study of methods aimed at preventing this damage.

Mr. Amory

Fundamental research at several research centres has yielded knowledge which may prove relevant to the problem of spray drift. The Agricultural Research Council are proposing shortly to call a meeting of experts in this field to consider the application of this knowledge to changing techniques of spraying agricultural crops.

Mr. Harrison

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, might I ask him to press on as hard as possible with research into non-volatile sprays in order that the damage which is done to horticultural crops may be the absolute minimum?

Mr. Amory

I agree that the damage is becoming serious, and I will take note of what my hon. Friend has said.

Mr. Snow

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the damage referred to in the Question is not restricted to horticultural crops? A high incidence of damage is done to bee colonies, and this is a very important matter in the soft fruit growing areas.

Mr. Amory

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the point raised by the hon. Gentleman, which is a relevant one.