19. Mr. De la Bèereasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in connection 984 with the Army Agricultural Scheme, he is now in a position to make some pronouncement of the results achieved; and whether he can give an assurance, in view of the short time the scheme has been recognised on the establishment, that there is no unnecessary restriction or methods which retard progress, in view of the increasing importance of increased food production?
§ Mr. A. HendersonWhereas on 31st December, 1942, 9,727 acres were being cultivated under this scheme, the acreage has now risen to 13,000. In 1942, 40,000,000 potato and vegetable rations were grown and consumed by the Army. Many units have been self-supporting in potatoes and vegetables for over six months of the year and the value of freshly cut vegetables has been widely appreciated. In addition cereals, vegetables and fruit not needed for the standard ration have been grown and marketed. The further expansion of the scheme is subject to the very real limitations imposed by the restriction on the use of transport, by the increasing demands from many sides on the available agricultural machinery and by the fact, which my hon. Friend will appreciate, that soldiers must devote themselves in the first place to becoming efficient soldiers.
Mr. De la BèreIs my hon. and learned Friend aware that, because this branch of the Service is an innovation, requests are very often refused on the ground that it is not on the establishment? Will he make quite sure that all branches of the War Office realise that this is an important branch of the Service and must be treated as such?
§ Mr. HendersonYes, Sir.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsWhen the change takes place, are steps always taken to ensure that vegetables planted are in fact gathered?
§ Mr. HendersonI do not know whether steps are always taken, but they should be taken.