§ 68. Mr. WATTasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he has any representations from agricultural co operative organisations throughout the country to the effect that the bulk of their members have been unable to share in the potato subsidy, owing to their crop not reaching the minimum quantity of four tons; is he aware of the effect this will have on the membership of such organisations and of the importance to the country that these institutions should succeed and increase in their member ship; and will he therefore take any action which will allow these organisations to sell as a single seller the potatoes of all their members?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD (Mr. Clynes)I have been asked to reply to this question. Representations have been 970 received from one or two Scottish agricultural co-operative organisations to the effect that their members have been unable to share in the potato subsidy. I am unable to form any opinion as to the effect that this may have on the membership of such organisations. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative so far as this season is concerned, but next season the bulking of potatoes for sale to the Government will be permitted.
§ Mr. WATTIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the promise made by the Prime Minister in February, 1917, to the potato growers was that there was no limitation as to the quantity for which they would get the higher price?
§ Mr. CLYNESThat condition as to weight was expressed on behalf of the Government on a date prior to and after the date referred to.