§ 70. Mr. Bossomasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has now reached a decision regarding the issue of an order prohibiting the importation of wilt tolerant varieties to the West Midlands area except under special licence.
Mr. VaneThe Department have discussed with scientific experts whether it would be desirable to control the movement of wilt tolerant varieties of hops. The technical advice is conflicting and my right hon. Friend is doubtful whether an Order prohibiting movement except under licence would be efficacious but he has not yet reached a decision.
§ 71. Mr. Bossomasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is now in a position to make a further statement about progressive verticillium wilt.
Mr. VaneAs a result of the outbreaks of the disease in the West Midlands this year, extra diagnostic facilities are to be provided at the Efford Experimental Station in time for next season. Arrangements are also being made for the practical testing of a quicker method of diagnosis, but it will be some time before the success or otherwise of this method can be determined.