§ 63. Mr. Dyeasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has now made an estimate of the damage to growing crops caused by the hailstorms in Norfolk; whether he will state the value of the damage; and how many of the farmers involved have asked for and received any assistance from his Department to enable them to continue efficiently to carry on their holdings.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe full extent of the damage has not yet been assessed, but the number of farms affected is approximately 250; these have been specially inspected by the Norfolk War Agricultural Executive Committee, who consider that the number of farms on which increased feeding stuffs will be required is 181. The Committee have full authority to give as much assistance as they can afford out of their discretionary reserve of feeding stuffs. Some of the farmers may also apply for manures and seeds on credit under the Agricultural Goods and Services Scheme for the next harvest.