HC Deb 26 March 1941 vol 370 cc567-8
25. Mr. Hunter

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that potato growers in England are in dire need of seed from Scotland, and that they are prevented from getting that seed, for land already prepared, by the refusal of railway companies in Scotland to accept consignments of such seed potatoes from Scotland; and whether he will take the matter up with the railway companies?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

I am informed that in view of the large tonnage of seed potatoes to be transported from Scotland to England this year and the pressure on the railway facilities, arrangements were made in agreement with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food for seed potatoes consigned to certain counties in England and Wales to be sent by coastal shipping. Consequently an embargo was placed upon the forwarding by rail from Scotland of seed potatoes for these destinations.

Mr. Hunter

Is the Minister aware that there is some doubt as to the amount of coastwise shipping available? Will he make inquiries to ascertain whether there is any shipping and into the fact that at least two great companies are quite willing to extend consignments of seed potatoes but that other railways have refused?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

I will make further inquiries, but I understand from my right hon. Friend who is in charge of shipping that there is no trouble about taking seed potatoes. On the rail side, we are carrying over 2,000 tons a night.

Mr. Hunter

Will the Minister make further inquiries into the west coast shipping?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

Certainly.

59. Mr. Hunter

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the London Midland and Scottish and London and North Eastern Railway companies in Scotland have been instructed to refuse consignments of seed potatoes for certain counties in England; and under what circumstances, and by what authority, this has been done?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Major Lloyd George)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply on a similar Question on this subject which has been given to-day by my right --hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.