§ Mr. Yorkasked the Minister of Agriculture what grass drying plants have been commercially tested by the National Institute of Agricultural Engineering during the past 12 months.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsNo grass driers have been commercially tested by the National6W Institute of Agricultural Engineering during the last 12 months, but a number of grass driers of new or improved design have been examined by members of the institute staff.
§ Mr. Yorkasked the Minister of Agriculture what tests are being carried out in grass drying at the Midland Agricultural College; and with which plants.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe tests planned at this centre are of the Petrie McNaught grass dryer, a conveyor type and coke using plant which is already in operation there, and of a Swedish grass dryer which is being installed shortly and uses electricity. Tests will be carried out in the first place with short fresh grass, but the work may later be extended to finishing hay. As I informed the hon. Member on 1st July, the investigations on the use of electricity in grass drying are part of a general scheme under the direction of the Electrical Research Association.