HC Deb 30 June 1955 vol 543 cc40-1W
28. Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what quantities of broccoli have been grown in Devon and Cornwall, separately, during each of the post-war seasons.

Mr. Amory

The following is the reply:

ESTIMATED PRODUCTION OF BROCCOLI (HEADING) OR WINTER CAULIFLOWER IN DEVON AND CORNWALL IN EACH OF THE POST-WAR MARKETING SEASONS, 1945–46 TO 1954–55
Marketing Season (a) Devon Cornwall
Tons Tons
1945–46 1,900 48,300
1946–47 (b) 900 19,300
1947–48 3,400 31,600
1948–49 3,400 42,000
1949–50 2,600 25,700
1950–51 2,100 31,800
1951–52 1,600 25,200
1952–53 1,400 27,700
1953–54 1,600 15,000
1954–55 (c) 1,200 18,000
(a) The marketing season is mainly from the end of November to early April; peak loadings occur during February and March.
(b) Low yield due to frost damage.
(c) Provisional.

29. Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on steps being taken, under the responsibility of his Department, to improve the strains of broccoli seed for use in Cornwall.

Mr. Amory

The National Institute of Agricultural Botany, in collaboration with Seale-Hayne Agricultural College, and the Rosewarne Experimental Horticulture Station of my Department, are conducting extensive trials with different varieties of broccoli. Research and trials are being carried out at the National Vegetable Research Station on the selection of new varieties.