§ Sir A. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what contribution the United Kingdom is making to the World Seed Campaign.
§ Mr. Soames:The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations has designated 1961 as International Seed Year and has invited member countries to participate in a world-wide campaign to promote the use of better quality seed. By encouraging increased returns from the land in this way, particularly in the developing countries, the campaign will contribute to the Organisation's wider campaign against world hunger.
The aims of the World Seed Campaign have the full support of Her Majesty's Government and our contribution will be twofold. We shall provide instruction in seed testing, multiplication and certification for representatives from the developing countries, thus enabling them to promote the production and use of quality seed in their own countries. In addition, the attention of all seed users at home will be drawn to the value and importance of high-quality seed by means of a special drive organised by our advisory services with the cooperation of the seed trade and farming organisations.