§ 34. Mr. G. LAMBERTasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that farmers in Devon are unable to obtain super-phosphate, dissolved bone compound, and potato and mangold manure, owing to the makers being short of acid; and whether measures will be taken to ensure a supply of those fertilisers which are vital for food production?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am aware that, in order to provide sufficient acid for the manufacture of explosives, it has been necessary to curtail the supplies of acid normally used for making super-phosphate. In view, however, of the urgent needs of agriculture, steps have recently been taken by the Ministry of Munitions to release for the production of fertilisers an increased, indeed the largest possible, quantity of acid, consistent with the essential requirements of munitions. Every effort will be made by the Ministry of Munitions to maintain the largest possible production of fertilisers. The control of their distribution amongst fanners in the various localities is, however, in the hands of the Board of Agriculture.
§ Mr. FLAVINAs there is a great shortage of artificial manures in Ireland, will the decision apply to that country in order to increase the production of food?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe Department is not responsible for distribution.
§ Mr. FLAVINWe have railway facilities. What we complain of is the shortage of the acid for making artificial manures.
§ Dr. ADDISONWe produce the acid, but its distribution is not our business.
§ Mr. FLAVINI am not asking about distribution. We want the acid.