§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies he has made, or what information he has, concerning the yield of hay from grassed areas adjacent to motorways; and if he can estimate the approximate acreage of these areas.
§ Mr. CarmichaelA survey of the 195 miles of the M1 has revealed the area of grass averages 17.1 acres a mile. A similar average can be expected on other motorways.
As most of the grass is on steeply sloping ground harvesting is likely to be uneconomic. Moreover, glass and other debris, together with high levels of lead residue in the herbage closest to the carriageway, would make it unsuitable as fodder.