HC Deb 04 December 1916 vol 88 c619
32. Captain BARNETT

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, having regard to the necessity of increasing the supplies of Home-grown food, he will consider the advisability of ploughing the grass lands in Hyde Park and Regent's Park forthwith with a view to planting potatoes there next spring?

Sir STEPHEN COLLINS

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask is there not already a large amount of farm grass land and estate grass land still available for the cultivation of potatoes?

The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Harcourt)

I do not think the proposal is economically sound, and I do not see my way to the labour necessary for the planting, cultivation, and protection of the crops.

Mr. G. FABER

Why not economically sound?

Captain BARNETT

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think his Office ought to set a good example in this matter?

Mr. HARCOURT

Yes, Sir; but it is not always a good example to dig up bad land.