§ LORD RAGLANasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will confirm that the Ministry of Transport's standard grass seeding mixture contains 10 lb. of wild white clover seed per acre; and whether they do not agree that 2 lb. per acre of this expensive seed is ample for all normal purposes.
§ LORD CHAMPIONMy Lords, the noble Lord is misinformed. White clover seed is included in the grass seeding mixture at the rate of 4.8 lb. per acre for level areas and 7.2 lb. per acre for slopes. The specification was designed to meet the abnormal conditions encountered on new road works with the poor top soil which is deficient in nitrogen. The increased rate on slopes is to offset erosion through the rapid development of the white clover even on the poorest soils.