§ 12. Mr. Tileyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, to what extent Government scientists have tackled the problem of providing a satisfactory method of determining the moisture content of stored cereals.
§ Mr. H. NichollsThe Pest Infestation Laboratory of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has developed an instrument for determining the moisture content of bulk stored cereals which is rapid, reliable and inexpensive. The National Institute of Agricultural Engineering of the Agricultural Research Council has furthermore examined the range of moisture meters commercially available for testing the moisture content of grain stored on the farm.
§ Mr. TileyI thank my hon. Friend for the interesting information that he has given to the House. Is the instrument available commercially, how much is it, and can it be used for testing other materials?
§ Mr. NichollsThe instrument is now available, and the cost is about £50. It is possible to use it for other materials. Examples which I have in front of me are cocoa beans, peas and beans.