§ Mr. Derek Pageasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware of the development of fertilisers containing controlled release trace 24W elements; and whether he will take steps to extend subsidies to encourage the use of such fertilisers.
§ Mr. John MackieI am aware of this development. Fertiliser subsidy is at present paid only on the nitrogen and phosphoric acid content of a fertiliser. These are plant nutrients which are usually applied to most crops and there is a general and continuing need for them. I am advised that there is no evidence on the other hand of a need for applying regularly whole ranges of trace elements at the same time.