§ 3. Sir Herbert Williamsasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that vegetables planted by troops are now rotting in the gardens of requisitioned houses, at a place indicated to him, despite the assurance sent to the hon. Member for South Croydon on 30th July; and what steps he proposes to take to rectify the matter?
§ Sir J. GriggI have received a detailed report on the vegetable crops referred to by my hon. Friend. Caterpillars have been prevalent in the district and have eaten some of the vegetables. Although no troops have been in occupation in the requisitioned houses for some weeks I am, however, satisfied that the arrangements made to gather the crop have 1463 enabled Army units in the neighbourhood to make full use of the various vegetables grown in the gardens.
§ Sir H. WilliamsHaving regard to the fact that what my right hon. Friend says conflicts with what I saw a week last Sunday, will he have another report?
§ Sir J. GriggNo, Sir. I have a full report from the Command agricultural officer, who has visited the site with the agricultural officer for West Sussex. I may say that the total area of gardens to which my hon. Friend refers is rather less than one-third of an acre.
§ Mr. HannahWhat caterpillar eats potatoes?
§ Sir J. GriggThese are cabbages.