§ 147. Mr. Staintonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has regarding the extent and nature of disease damage to crops of Rothwell Perdix wheat and other varieties similarly affected; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MackieEvidence of a heavier incidence than usual of yellow rust disease began appearing in crops of Rothwell Perdix towards the end of May. No precise figures are available but the disease appears to be more prevalent in the East, the Midlands and the South, and relatively less so in other parts of the country. Its incidence varies from district to district. Yellow rust in other winter wheat varieties is not above its normal low level. The disease is caused by a fungus, variants of which may attack hitherto resistant varieties. I am looking most carefully into the possible causes of this outbreak and am keeping a close watch on the situation. It is much too early to assess the significance of this outbreak so far as the grain yield of the country as a whole is concerned.