§ 37. Sir R. COOPERasked the President of the Board of Agriculture if the average yield of potatoes in England and W ales in 1917, 6 tons per acre, was satisfactory; if he is aware that many growers in various parts of the country produced from 12 to 18 tons per acre; and, if so, what steps he has taken to ensure that all persons growing potatoes this year shall be encouraged to obtain the highest possible yield from the ground that they cultivate?
§ Sir R. WINFREYThe average yield of any crop is always far below that attained by the best cultivators upon the more favourable soils, and the difference is greater in the case of potatoes than for most crops. The Board have taken steps through the Food Production Department to secure the distribution of improved seed, to introduce disease-resisting varieties, to increase the supply of fertilisers, and to facilitate and promote spraying, all measures which will assist growers to obtain the maximum yield from the land they cultivate. In view of the food situation, the Board are anxious to secure the planting of potatoes on every possible acre, and are giving every assistance in their power to growers.
§ Sir R. COOPERIs it not the fact that the vast majority of people in this country growing potatoes obtain very unsatisfactory yields, and can his Department not take some steps to instruct the people of this country how they can get very much larger crops by deeper ploughing and a better use of the manures available, in addition to the points raised by the hon. Member?
§ Sir R. WINFREYA number of instructors are going round the country now.