§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is satisfied with the adequacy of the present programme of research into farm wastes carried out under his department, if he will increase his department's support for this work; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Shirley Williams:Yes. As I said in reply to the hon. Member on 28th November last, the Agricultural Research Council is willing to consider specific research projects in this field for support. During 1968–69 the work being carried out on this subject at the National Institute of Agricultural Engineering should be expanded to include the disposal of pig and cattle wastes by means of oxidation ditch systems, high-rate filter systems for partial or complete treatment of animal wastes, pipe line manure distribution, pilot scale trials of pneumatic/ hydraulic equipment for aeration treatment, manure handling systems, and a review of current methods and problems associated with poultry manure disposal. Much of this work will be undertaken in collaboration with the Experimental Husbandry Farms of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and with other research institutes.—[Vol. 755; c.77]
§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much money was spent by his Department on research into disposal of farm wastes in 1967; and how much it is planned to spend in 1968.
§ Mrs. Shirley Williams:An approximate estimate of the cost of the work supported by the Agricultural Research Council on this subject is £11,000 in 1967–68 and £19,000 (including capital costs of £3,250) in 1968–69