§ Mr. Staintonasked the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the increasing public concern
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Law Com. No. of Report Title Date laid before Parliament 1 First Programme of the Law Commission 27th October 1965 2 Law Commission's First Programme on Consolidation and Statute Law Revision. 25th January 1966 3 Proposals to abolish certain Ancient Criminal Offences 21st June 1966 4 First Annual Report 1965–66 13th July 1966 in cereal growing areas about the hazards and environmental aspects of the practice of straw burning, despite the revision of the code and the efforts of the National Farmers' Union, he will take steps to ensure that adequate research is instituted to explore economic alternatives to straw burning; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartResearch into alternative means of disposing of and using straw is being carried out at a number of centres. The subject is being studied also by my Agricultural Development and Advisory Service, and the National Farmers' Union is to set up a working party to consider it. The need for further work will be kept under review.