HC Deb 03 March 1986 vol 93 c10W
Sir Edward Gardner

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has as to how many acres of land in the United Kingdom during the next 12 months are to be used for the cultivation of the opium poppy; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

Statistics are not available but reports indicate that up to about 200 acres of poppies of the type papaver somniferum may be grown in commercial trials in the United Kingdom this year. Imported poppy seed is currently used in the confectionery industry and the seed oil has potential uses both in food, medicine and other products.