HC Deb 01 April 1946 vol 421 cc823-4
54. Major Wise

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that many farmers in Norfolk and elsewhere are unable to obtain their allotted supplies of potash manures for sugar beet, potatoes and other crops; and if, in view of the need for full production, he will take immediate steps to remedy this position.

Mr. T. Williams

I am aware that the supply of potash is not sufficient wholly to meet current demands and that some farmers, in Norfolk as elsewhere, have not yet been able to obtain their full allocation of this fertiliser. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is doing everything possible to expedite shipments from all sources and I hope that the total quantity that will be available for the current season will fall little short of that provided in the 1944-45 season.

68. Mr. Dye

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the total weight of potash and phosphates allocated by permits to the farmers in the county of Norfolk for the current season; how much has so far been supplied; what is the cause of the delay in supplying the total amounts allocated; and when will supplies be completed for this season's crop.

Mr. T. Williams

Fertiliser permits have been issued to farmers in Norfolk for a total of 7,527 tons of potash equivalent and 12,514 tons of phosphate equivalent. The quantity of potash delivered into Norfolk to date amounts to 6,390 tons. Imports in the earlier part of the season were below expectations, but shipments have improved recently and, although no guarantee can be given that all permits for potash will be met in full, every effort is being made to meet the outstanding balance of farmers' orders in time for this season's crop. As regards phosphatic fertilisers, the available supplies in Norfolk as in the country generally are sufficient to meet farmers' orders in full.

Mr. Dye

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some farmers received no potash at all for this season?

Mr. Williams

I am, of course, aware of the total quantities that have been sent into the county, to be shared out according to the farmers' requirements.

Mr. David Eccles

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if we do not export anything to Spain we shall not get Spanish products? Will he bring that to the notice of some Members of his Party?

Mr. Williams

I will leave that to the hon. Member.