§ 30. General M'CALMONTasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is aware that many small farmers in Ireland still have large stocks of potatoes in small lots on their hands which were produced in accordance with the wishes of the Government and in the interests of the food supply of the country; and whether he will state what steps he proposes to take to ensure that these potatoes are made use of?
§ Mr. DUKEIn view of the present position as regards food supplies, the Department of Agriculture consider that except in certain districts, the stocks of potatoes held by small farmers in Ireland are not in excess of local requirements. So far as there are surplus stocks arrangements have been made which, it is believed, will enable them to be disposed of for Army and Navy purposes and to the trade in Great Britain.
§ General M'CALMONTWill that include even small amounts, or will it only apply to farmers who have large lots to dispose of?
§ 49. Sir B. FALLEasked the Prime Minister if he will give any guarantee or make any statement of a kindred nature that the farmers of Jersey and Guernsey 1121 who are now about to plant early potatoes should not be limited as to selling price and should not have their produce commandeered, and that all possible provision in the way of transport shall be granted them?
Mr. PARKERI have been asked to reply. The Food Controller's powers do not extend to the Channel Isles, and there is accordingly no question of his commandeering potato stocks or fixing prices in Jersey or Guernsey. I may add that the Ministry of Food is in communication with the Ministry of Shipping with regard to the question of the provision of shipping for potatoes from the Channel Islands, and it is hoped that adequate facilities will be provided for this service.
§ 60. Mr. H. LAWasked why small farmers in Ireland who increased their growth of potatoes last year in response to the appeals of the Government, and relying upon the promise of a guaranteed minimum price made by the Prime Minister on the 23rd February, have been excluded from benefit unless they are individually in a position to sell in lots of 4 tons or over, seeing that no such condition was attached to this promise; and why the Ministry of Food refuse to allow such growers to pool their surplus stocks of potatoes and to sell them in bulk through their co-operative societies or other dealers?
Mr. PARKERI must refer the hon. Member to the answers given on, 26th and 29th November to the hon. Members for Ossory and North Sligo respectively. I have nothing to add to those replies.
§ Mr. LAWThe answers referred to did not include the last part of this question, as to the refusal to allow small farmers to pool their stocks and sell them through co-operative societies?
Mr. PARKERIt is a long story to give in reply to a supplementary question, but I shall be glad to have a conversation with the hon. Member on the subject. I think that there must be a misunderstanding as to the actual guarantee which was given. The guarantee given, as was stated from the very beginning, was for 6 tons, which was reduced to 4 tons.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHCan you give the date of any statement by any Minister to the effect, that this was limited to growers of 4 tons?
Mr. PARKERI shall be pleased to give the hon. Member whatever information I have with regard to it.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHYou cannot give what I ask for because you have not got it.