§ 63. Dr. Littleasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the abundance of potatoes in Northern Ireland and their high starch content, which ranges in two varieties from 18.4 to 20.4 per cent., he will arrange for a factory or factories to be established there for the production of starch from these potatoes, both as an article of food and for commercial purposes?
Major Lloyd GeorgeMy Noble Friend is advised that stocks of farina —or potato starch —in this country are at present adequate for essential industrial requirements, and arrangements have already been made to ensure the best use of the Northern Ireland potato crop. The possibility of using potatoes for the manufacture of farina is, however, being kept under constant review in the light of changes in the supply position.
§ Dr. LittleIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that in war-time the farina industry is of enormous value to Northern Ireland, where there is a surplus of potatoes which, by agreement, have to be paid for by the Ministry of Food even if they are not utilised?
Major Lloyd GeorgeIf my hon. Friend makes inquiries, I think he will find that the potato surplus in Northern Ireland is not so large as was anticipated when he asked a Question on this subject the last time.
§ Dr. LittleI do not need to make the inquiries. In Northern Ireland there are fields full of potatoes.