§ Mr. Parkerasked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, why the Forestry Commission, although the Forestry Acts do not include the production of medicinal herbs, did not concern itself in times of national need to offer to produce such medicinal herbs as it was able to produce, after it had been warned two years ago that there was a shortage; and will he now offer the services of the Forestry Commission to assist the Ministry of Health in this matter as one of national as well as of departmental concern?
§ Sir G. CourthopeWith regard to the first part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to him on 24th June last. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Health has had the question of the supply of medicinal herbs continuously under review. Steps have been taken in collaboration with the manufacturers of pharmaceutical products and growers to encourage the cultivation of medicinal herbs and the Vegetable Drugs Committee was appointed in March last. With regard to the latter part of the Question the Forestry Commissioners are prepared to assist the Ministry of Health if they can perform a useful service in this matter.