§ Mr. Spenceasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has caused to be examined the superior yield and immunity from disease of the oil seed rape variety used generally in France as opposed to the variety used generally in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StrangI assume that the hon. Member is referring to the oil seed rape variety jet NEUF for which my Department has received an application for entry on the United Kingdom national list. The variety was under trials in 1977 and die work is continuing this year. From the data so far obtained, the variety appears to have a higher yield and less susceptibility tophotma lingam than other low erucic acid varieties at present available to growers.
§ Mr. Spenceasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why a variety of oil seed rape commonly used in France is not available to United Kingdom growers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StrangAfter consultation with the United Kingdom Seeds Executive, the Agricultural Departments published last week a notice of their proposal to add jet NEUF to the national list. If no objections are made against the proposal, the variety will be listed, and seed may be marketed in the United Kingdom, with effect from 18th July.