49. Mr. De la Béreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the many instances of failure to lift last season's potato crop, involving loss of many thousands of tons of potatoes, which was caused by shortage of labour on the farms throughout the country, he will make adequate provision for labour supply for this year's crop, in view of the 988 growing importance of additional food production.
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. R. S. Hudson)Publicity has already been given to the Government's intention to do everything possible to secure the necessary labour for harvesting the potato and other crops next autumn. I am sending to my hon. Friend a copy of the Press announcement in which this assurance was embodied.
Mr. De la BéreIs my right hon. Friend aware of the unprecedented lack of labour on the land, and that there are no seed potatoes in any place in Scotland or England available for farmers? Is he aware that something must be done for farmers?
§ Commander Locker-LampsonWhy not employ German prisoners?
Mr. De la BéreI beg to give notice that I will raise the matter at an early opportunity. It is really quite scandalous.