§ 35. Mr. Scott-Hopkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and 235W Food what is his latest estimate in tonnage of the 1971 wheat harvest, in view of the serious spread of yellow rust disease; what advice is being given to farmers to stop its spread; and what research is currently taking place.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartIt is too soon to estimate the tonnage of the 1971 wheat harvest. I doubt if yellow rust disease will have a significant effect on yields in the country as a whole. Once an outbreak occurs little can be done to stop its immediate spread. Research is concentrated on the disease characteristics and the breeding of resistant varieties.