HC Deb 12 July 1968 vol 768 cc137-8W
Mr. Onslow

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of the total public expenditure on horticultural research is allocated to work on ornamental nursery stock: and how this compares with the relative economic contribution of this section of the horticultural industry.

Mr. John Mackie

It is not possible to estimate either total public expenditure in horticultural research or on research into any particular sector of the industry because the extent to which these are supported by fundamental research and by applied research in agriculture and agricultural science generally cannot be quantified. The total value of horticultural output in 1966–67 was estimated at £189½ million including £41½ million for flowers and nursery stock.