§ Mr. John GarrettTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he intends to discourage the growing of winter cereals on the grounds of increased risk of soil erosion; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonSoil erosion caused by autumn rather than spring sowing of cereals, although significant in some localities, is not widespread and autumn sowing can be advantageous in other respects—for example, by helping to reduce the level of nitrate leaching from the soil. In these circumstances, I do not believe that any restrictions on the cultivations of winter cereals would be justified, although I would urge all cereals growers to follow ADAS advice designed to reduce soil erosion when preparing land for the sowing of winter cereals.