§ 61. Mr. Stodartasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the nature of the evidence he has received about the unsuitability of Certified Oregon Blue Tag perennial ryegrass seed for use in the United Kingdom.
Mr. VaneThe reports I have received on the performance of this seed came from official trial centres in the United Kingdom. They provide conflicting evidence on the suitability of the seed for use over here.
§ Mr. StodartIs my hon. Friend aware that a lot of this certified seed came into this country in 1954, and that there were admittedly conflicting reports about it, 595 but that there were reports in its favour from, among other places, the N.I.A.B. at Cambridge and the seed-testing station in Scotland? As the evidence is conflicting, would not my hon. Friend do as well to follow the example of his right hon. Friend with Charollais and introduce some of this seed to try it?
Mr. VaneCertain of this seed was imported in 1954, which was a season of great shortage. As I have said, the evidence about this seed is conflicting. It is true that reports from Scotland were the least unfavourable. It is suggested that before any general import, further trials should take place, which seems to be a wise course.