§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he has taken as a result of the hon. Member for Linlithgow's communication with the Minister of State, the noble Baroness Trumpington, of 3 January, about the evidence of Dr. John Ingram, former director of national fruit trials, concerning the proposed move of the national fruit collection from Brogdale to Wye college in relation to trees allergic to frost-holes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryThe potential for frost damage raised by the hon. Member with my noble Friend during their telephone conversation, was fully considered, together with a number of other important issues, when the decision was taken to move the national fruit collection to Wye college. In general the soils on the site at Wye are well suited for fruit growing. Radiation frost should not be a problem although there is some risk from wind frost to the fruiting potential of trees in an exceptionally severe year because of the site's elevation and exposure. The site is not at the bottom of a frost bowl. However, the risk from wind frost at Wye is less than at the present site at Brogdale and could, if necessary, be ameliorated by the planting of shelter screens as has been done at Brogdale. This will be one of the factors taken into account as the detailed arrangements for the transfer are made. The risk of exposure to frost is, of course, of less significance for the collection than it would be for a commercial orchard, given that the collection's main purpose is as a scientific, genetic and educational resource.