§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture to what cause, apart from last week's frosts, he attributes the recent rapid increase in the price of potatoes; and whether, bearing in mind the losses suffered throughout the United Kingdom owing to the record crop of last year being attacked by potato disease, and the great distress caused to the poor by a shortage of potatoes, the Board will in good time this year take steps to impress upon potato growers the importance of spraying the crop with copper sulphate and lime as security against loss from the disease?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe satisfactory prices offered by continental buyers have led to a considerably increased exportation of potatoes during the present year, and owing to the existence of disease in 1910 the stocks in certain districts which generally supply markets at this late season of the year are much smaller than usual. The Board will be glad to adopt the suggestion made by the hon. Member in the latter part of the question.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTWill the hon. Baronet consider the advisability of publishing some information in the local papers of the rural districts as to the advantages of spraying, so as to avoid the shortage next year which we are suffering from now?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYYes, Sir.