§ Mr. George Rodgersasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what support has been given by his Department to the research and establishment of the soil-less cultivation system of crop growing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StrangMy Department has commissioned research on hydroponics with both the Agricultural Research Council and the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service. Reseach is being carried out at the ARC's Glasshouse Crops Research Institute on the development of the nutrient film system of crop production under protection to establish the correct cultural conditions for the main range of protected crops, particularly tomato. The technique is being further developed and evaluated by ADAS on a wide range of protected crops at five of the Department's experimental horticulture stations. Studies are progressing on the use of different nutrient solutions at different temperatures and on various potting media. Additionally, at one of these stations experiments are taking place on the growing of cucumbers on268W rock wool using nutrient solutions. The technique is already being evaluated by some growers who are maintaining a close liaison with the Institute and ADAS. The United Kingdom is providing a lead in this technique. A number of commercial firms are developing equipment for use in connection with the technique and there is quite a volume of export trade with the Middle East, South America, Australia and the United States of America.