SEED MARKET IN BRITAIN

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23813, 5 December 1942, Page 4

SEED MARKET IN BRITAIN

IMPORT LICENCES TO BE

GRANTED

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, December 4. The Minister of Agriculture (the Hon. J. G. Barclay) stated to-day that he had recently made a press statement to the effect that there was a possibility that the market for rape, ryegrass, and red clover seed would not be available in the United Kingdom because of a surplus of these seeds in that 'country. At the same time representations were made to the United Kingdom Government by the New Zealand Government pointing out that the growers and merchants in New Zealand had arranged for the production of large areas of these seeds and the limitation of markets would have a serious effect on the seed industry. . Advice had now been received from the British Government on these representations, intimating that licences would be granted for importation into the United Kingdom of rape seed that had been contracted for by British merchants this year and licences would also be granted for all other 1942-43 season seed that could find a market, with the exception of uncertified Italian and perennial ryegrass. The Minister said it was anticipated that clarification of the United Kingdom’s policy and seed requirements for the season 1943-44 would be forthcoming at an early date. As soon as this was received farmers and the trade would be notified.