§ 7. Sir M. Redmayneasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware of the need for research into the possibility of growing rose briars in this country, in order that the rose-growing industry should not be wholly dependent on imports; and what action he is taking to encourage research and production to this end.
§ Mr. HoyI know of no technical reason why rose briars should not be grown in this country, but my right hon. Friend is asking his Horticultural Advisory Council to advise him if experimental work is needed to determine whether there would be practical problems in growing them here on a commercial scale.
§ Sir M. RedmayneIs the Minister aware that the Association of British 2072 Rose Producers is very anxious that its members should not be so dependent on imported briars and that they will be grateful if some progress is to be made in this direction? Can he confirm that the figure of imports is higher than the total of £50,000 quoted in correspondence between the Association and the Minister? Is he also aware that the best roses are grown in the Rushcliffe division of Nottinghamshire?
Mr. MackieI agree with the right hon. Gentleman. The figure which I have of imports for 1964 is £528,000, which is a considerable figure and one which we should like to see reduced. It has been referred to the Horticultural Advisory Council which will give every assistance to rose growers. We shall welcome any decrease in imports. This is not an easy job but a specialised one: research may be necessary.