36. Mr. B. Harrisonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements exit whereby Government-financed plant-breeding stations make available their basic research results and material to plant breeders.
Mr. VaneResearch results are published in the reports of the institutes concerned and in appropriate scientific journals. The institutes are always ready to demonstrate their material, methods and results to plant breeders, to discuss problems and to give information and advice. Basic plant material which has been tested at the institutes is supplied to private plant breeders on request.
Mr. HarrisonWhile wishing to draw my right hon. Friend's attention to the co-operation that exists, may I ask him to make sure that viruses and diseases are also available at Government plant breeding establishments for private breeders?
Mr. VaneI think I can assure my hon. Friend that we try to be as helpful and co-operative as possible, and, as far as disease-resistant cereals material is concerned, it is hoped that more will be released this autumn.
§ Mr. FarrWould the hon. Gentleman not agree that this matter should perhaps be considered in the wider aspect of the Report of the findings of the Engholm Committee?