§ 10. Mr. PENNEFATHERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether any restrictions will be placed upon the lifting for sale of new potatoes before certain dates, or below a certain size, with a view to preventing the consumption as a luxury of immature potatoes, which if allowed to increase to a larger size would provide more abundant food?
Captain BATHURSTThe placing of restrictions upon the lifting of new potatoes before certain dates is attended with difficulties, as potatoes ripen at different times in different districts. This is also a policy of doubtful advantage, especially in view of the fact that present prospects indicate an abundance of potatoes when the main crop becomes available. I think I ought also to mention that in many districts where these early potatoes are lifted other crops will be sown on the same ground.
§ 40. Mr. BYRNEasked the quantity of potatoes at present held by the military authorities in Ireland; are they storing more than they require; and the quantity which has become bad and unfit for use owing to insufficient attention in storing?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)The quantity of potatoes now held in Ireland is 300 tons, which axe required to meet Admiralty demands. They are in splendid condition, and I am informed there has been no loss on Government purchases of the 1916 crop, either through insufficient attention or want of storage or any other cause.