§ Mr. SpellarTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on replacement of peat with alternative materials.
§ Mr. CurryThe Government are concerned to ensure that the United Kingdom horticultural industry continues to have access to efficient and economic plant growth media. Currently the use of peat is essential to enable the United Kingdom's horticultural industry to remain competitive. The Government have welcomed positive actions by the horticultural and landscape industries to examine and use suitable alternatives to peat—in particular in the amenity and retail sectors. Government Departments are supporting research into the needs of plants for growing media, and into alternatives to peat and the place of recycled materials.