§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is conducting a research into alternatives to peat for horticultural use; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RyderA number of projects for finding alternatives to, or decreasing the use of, peat in the horticulture industry (for instance work on rockwool, hydroponics and using compost additives like bark) have been undertaken by my Department in recent years. Some of this work has already been taken up by growers and it could provide a firm basis for further reductions in usage if this is necessary.