HC Deb 16 December 1946 vol 431 cc1600-1
50. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture if, in view of the wastage of food involved, the Agricultural Research Council is making an investigation into the factors responsible for the poor quality of some main-crop potatoes in colour, consistency and taste.

Mr. T. Williams

The effect of the conditions under which potatoes are grown on their appearance, consistency and flavour is being investigated at the Long Ashton Research Station of Bristol University and at the Low Temperature Research Station of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

Mr. Hurd

As there seem to be so many complaints about potatoes going black, will the Minister see that, before the next growing season, the findings of this investigation are published?

Mr. Williams

That is exactly what the Long Ashton Research Station are looking into—the question of the blackening of potatoes—and certain information has already been circulated in the "Journal of Agricultural Science" relating to the already known causes of potato blackening.

Mr. Hurd

Will that be made widely known?

Mr. Williams

Yes, Sir.