§ 41. Lieutenant-Colonel WEIGALLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether a very large acreage of blue peas was grown last season, and that, owing to the purchase by the Government of largo quantities of Japanese peas (now being exported to France and Belgium) and the prohibition of the export of home-grown, the home trade is completely blocked, and growers are unable to find a market for their produce, although compelled to thresh for use of straw; and whether immediate action may be taken in conjunction with the Food Controller?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe acreage under blue peas is not distinguished in the returns from the acreage of peas generally, but there was a considerable increase in the production of peas in 1018. The Ministry of Food have made no purchase of Japanese peas since the 17th December, 1918, but small quantities of such peas previously purchased have been delivered since then. I am informed that none of these have been exported to Belgium or France, and that home-grown peas will be 1707 freely licensed by the War Trade Department for exportation to approved destinations.