HC Deb 23 October 1940 vol 365 cc1037-8
27. Mr. Davidson

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the memorandum from the Scottish Seed Potato Trade Association regarding the disorganisation of seed potato transport; aid has he any statement to make?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

I have obtained a copy of a memorandum circulated to Scottish Members of this House about the refusal of the railway companies to double-sheet wagons of seed potatoes. Owing to the shortage of wagon sheets to meet present requirements, a direction was issued on 26th August last prohibiting the double-sheeting of any traffic. All practicable steps are being taken to increase the supply of sheets, but until there are sufficient for all traffic requiring to be sheeted I am not prepared to except seed potatoes from the direction.

Mr. Davidson

Has the Minister investigated the statement of this Association that there are thousands of workers idle who normally produced this sheeting which the railway companies could very easily obtain? Has he also investigated the charge that this transport is being thoroughly disorganised, and does he intend to inquire into this point?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

The question of alternative sheeting is being explored, but my hon. Friend will realise that the chief supply came from the Low Countries. As an Irishman, I should like to see potatoes protected, but I do not see why these potatoes should have preferential treatment above everything else. One of the difficulties, as my hon. Friend knows, is the shortage of sheeting.

Mr. Davidson

Has the Minister investigated the specific statement of this Association that there are 4,000 workers in Dundee unemployed who normally produce this sheeting? If so, does he intend to make any investigation in regard to it?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

I will look into that.

Mr. Woodburn

If the Minister cannot allow these wagons to be double-sheeted, will he state what facilities he is going to introduce to protect these potatoes from frost in order to safeguard the food supplies of the country?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

I shall have to refer that to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture. All I can say is that I cannot give preferential treatment to one particular commodity when there is such a shortage.