§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what new research projects into disposal of farm waste were started by his Department in 1968; what new projects are planned for 1969; and how much has been spent and is planned to be spent on these projects.
§ Mr. John MackieNew work started in 1968 included projects concerning aeration and smell treatments, feeding dried poultry manure, the long term effect of slurry on crops, soil and soil populations, the chemical value for slurry and the problems of run-off. Projects planned to start in 1969 include oxidation ditch treatments, tank aeration treatments and fertiliser experiments. Work on long term 341W experiments started in earlier years continues. This work which is being carried out by the Ministry's technical services is complementary to the work of the A.R.C., the other Agricultural Departments and the Ministry of Technology in this field. It involves the use of existing capital resources and staff time, the cost of which cannot be separately identified. However, new capital expenditure in 1968–69 included £1,250 for sludge disposal equipment at the Arthur Rickwood farm and for three projects on commercial farms concerning smell, and there is provision of £7,000 in 1969–70 for an oxidation ditch at Terrington E.H.F. and a poultry effluent disposal system at Gleadthorpe E.H.F.