HC Deb 08 January 1942 vol 377 cc33-4
60. Mr. Price

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that there is evidence to the effect that 25 per cent. less lime has been applied to land in the South-West of England last year than in the previous year; and whether he will consider steps to increase its use?

Mr. Hudson

My information is that taking the year as a whole 10 per cent. more lime was applied to land in this area than in the previous year, and that in the second half of the year when the Government's liming policy was intensified the amount was 40 per cent. greater than that for the corresponding period of 1940.

Mr. Price

Is it not a fact that a large number of people have not used lime in the past and are not doing so now, and that in the main the users of lime are those who have used it in the past?

Mr. Hudson

We are gradually getting those who have not used lime to see the necessity of using lime now.

Mr. T. Smith

Is the Minister taking any steps to keep up the necessary supply of lime?

Mr. Hudson

Yes, Sir. That is part of our intensification campaign, and we have devoted a good deal of time to the discovery of additional sources of lime, particularly waste lime and the making of lime available in the shape of ground lime, and we have put up a number of additional plants.

Mr. Smith

Is the Minister satisfied with the amount of labour available for the production of this extra lime?

Mr. Hudson

No Sir. Labour is one of the bugbears, especially in the matter of lime.