HC Deb 15 December 1949 vol 470 cc284-5W
49. Mr. Philips Price

asked the Minister of Agriculture what surveys have been started by the Agricultural Improvement Council, with a view to making an assessment of what are the most urgent matters calling for research; and what progress has been made in each case.

Mr. T. Williams

The work of the Agricultural Improvement Council has covered a very wide range of subjects, many of which will be described in detail in the Council's Second Report which it is hoped will be published early next year. I shall be pleased to send the hon. Member a copy and meanwhile 1 give a short list of subjects upon which research has been recommended.

Following is the list:

  • Potato root eelworm.
  • Failure in bean crops.
  • Breeding of brassicae resistant to
    1. (a) clubroot;
    2. (b) frost.
  • Control of pea aphis, pea moth and bean aphis.
  • Effect of leys on soil structure.
  • Mineral deficiencies in crops.
  • Trichomonas infection of cattle.
  • Control of bracken, ragwort and wild oats.
  • Dried grass for stock feeding.
  • Contamination of seed crops.
  • Crossing of in-bred lines in poultry.