§ 2. Mr. W. THORNEasked how many tons of potatoes have been rendered uneatable through the last severe frost on account of the farmers not having sufficient covering for the potatoes in their potato clamps?
Captain BATHURSTNo statistics of the loss of potatoes owing to frost are available, but there is no doubt such loss has been considerable, and it appears from information received at the Ministry of Food that many farmers, in covering in their potato clamps, did not foresee its unusual duration and severity.
§ Mr. THORNEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a deep-rooted conviction in the minds of a very large number of consumers that the farmers have done this deliberately for the purpose of bringing about a shortage of potatoes, and so raise prices?
Captain BATHURSTNo. I know farmers pretty well, and I cannot believe they are such fools. If anything of the sort has happened, it involves a greater loss to the farmer than to anyone else concerned.
§ Mr. THORNEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that they will soon recover themselves by the extra amount per ton?
§ Mr. KINGIf the hon. Member took up potato culture himself would he not have much more experience?