§ 28. Sir T. Mooreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in connection with the scheme for erecting factories for converting potatoes into cattle food, the principal process involved is one of drying; what is the approximate value of the cattle food produced per ton of potatoes used as raw material; and what is the advantage of transporting potatoes to factories for manufacture into cattle food, as opposed to using them for feeding-stuffs on the farms themselves, if they are found to be surplus to actual requirements?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Mr. Lennox-Boyd)I have been asked to reply. The reply to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, it is estimated that the value of cattle food so produced will be approximately the same as that of barley meal and other feeding-stuffs which it would substitute. With regard to the third part of my hon. and gallant Friend's Question, it is not contemplated that potatoes which could 1627 be used as feeding-stuffs on the farms on which they are grown, or on neighbouring farms, would be diverted to the factories. The principal advantages of processing are those of reduced transport cost to districts where supplies of raw potatoes for feeding-stuffs are not available, less perishability, and more convenient storage.
§ Sir Waldron SmithersCan the hon. Gentleman say how many factories have been authorised to date?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNot without notice.