asked the Minister of Agriculture what quantities and what varieties of grass seed are being imported into this country from the dollar countries and why.

Approximately 24,500 cwt. of Timothy seed and 7,500 cwt. of Agrostis seed of the 1946 crops are being imported from the United States and Canada. I am advised that these seeds, which are not produced in sufficient quantity in the United Kingdom, are required for incorporation in grass seed mixtures.

Will the Minister do all he can to encourage the production of these seeds in this country?

We are doing all that we can to encourage the production of such seeds as are most useful in this country, but I understand that a certain variety have to be imported from the U.S.A. and Canada which are necessary, especially for Scotland, and for mixing with other seeds.

Will the Minister get as much seed as he can from New Zealand?

Certainly.