§ 59 and 60. Mr. Haslamasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, (1) whether he is aware that the efforts of the Potato Control to purchase potatoes from farms in the potato growing areas of East Lincolnshire during the last three months Have Been insufficient and thousands of tons still await disposal; that owing to rot and sprouting a high and increasing proportion of these is unfit for human consumption; and will immediate steps be taken to increase the rate of disposal to avoid serious waste of food both for human and animal consumption;
(2) whether he is aware that the normal method of disposing of potatoes tainted or beginning to sprout, of feeding them to pigs, is not now practical owing to the reduction of the pig population in East Lincolnshire; whether he will take immediate steps to increase the rate of removal of sound potatoes during the next few weeks, also to stop the fall of the pig population, and obtain an increase where required; and whether he will consider revising pig prices so as to be remunera- 28 tive to farmers, and so that a due proportion of pigs vital to farm economy in this part of Lincolnshire may be attained?
Major Lloyd GeorgeIn view of my hon. Friend's representations, I have looked carefully into the records of the disposal of the clearances of ware potato stocks in Lincolnshire during the last three to four months and am satisfied that, having regard to the need to retain a reserve for the end of the season, the disposal from this area has been fully adequate. I am also assured that no abnormal wastage is taking place from deterioration. If, however, my hon. Friend knows of any stocks which ought to be removed at an early date in order to prevent wastage, the owners should be advised to report the facts to the Area Supervisor of Potatoes, who will be able to take the necessary action. The fall in the pig population has been due to the decreased supplies of feeding-stuffs generally rather than to pig prices being unremunerative. The feeding-stuffs situation during the coming winter is likely to be more difficult than last winter and consequently my Noble Friend cannot see his way to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion. The level of pig prices in relation to the number of pigs which may be advantageously maintained on the feeding-stuffs available is, however, being kept under constant review.
§ Mr. HaslamIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that thousands of tons of potatoes are still awaiting removal from the farms, and that at this late time of the season, when from 40 to 60 per cent, of the potatoes are becoming unfit for human consumption, it is certain that thousands of tons must be wasted, and will he not take steps in the matter to try and avoid the wastage?
Major Lloyd GeorgeIn view of the demand no special measures are considered necessary to increase the rate of disposal in the particular part that my hon. Friend has in mind. By 10th May 47,000 tons of potatoes were left to be removed, and there is not a very large proportion left.
§ Mr. HaslamWill my hon. and gallant Friend make further inquiries of the local men, because the farmers are all reporting this sort of thing in Lincolnshire; and 29 is he aware of the loss that will result in this part of Lincolnshire, and will he consider the position again?
Major Lloyd GeorgeWith regard to the first Supplementary Question, the figures that I have given are those which were arrived at after very careful inquiry, and there was nothing in our investigation to suggest that our information is incorrect. As regards the second Supplementary Question, as I pointed out in the answer, the position of foodstuffs generally has suffered.