§ 45. Mr. Priceasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider if any assistance can be given to farmers on non-potato growing ground who are ordered to grow so many acres of potatoes and who may, in consequence, be involved in a loss?
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. R. S. Hudson)Under the Agricultural Requisites Assistance Scheme, potato growers can obtain assistance from their war agricultural executive committee in regard to the supply of seed potatoes, fertilisers, implements, etc. Prices for this year's crop will be fixed at a level which will ensure to growers a remunerative return on their crop as a whole, and the principle of relieving individual growers of a risk of being unable to find a market will be maintained. While, therefore, variation in yield is to be expected as between established potato-growing areas and new areas, I do not think that any class of grower is being called upon to undertake undue risk in cultivating potatoes this year or that there is need for further measures of assistance.