HC Deb 21 April 1947 vol 436 cc605-7
54. Mr. Renton

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that farmers in East Anglia are still experience- ing delays in receiving their supplies of seed potatoes from Scotland; and what steps are being taken to overcome such delays.

Mr. T. Williams

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport arranged with the railway companies as far back as 24th March that the highest possible priority should be given to movement of Scottish seed potatoes, and they are at present being delivered to growers in England and Wales as fast as they can be dressed out of the clamps. 1n the week ended 5th April the quantity of potatoes moved from Scottish farms reached the record figure of over 28,500 tons, and deliveries are being continued at this level. The effect of the earlier paralysis of seed dressing and transport must, however, inevitably continue to be felt. There is enough once-grown seed to meet all demands that cannot be supplied from Scotland or Northern Ireland, and growers who are ready to plant, and cannot get delivery of Scottish seed might be well advised to accept such alternative supplies.

Mr. Renton

Bearing in mind the late start which these deliveries necessarily bad this season, will the right hon. Gentleman keep a careful watch on this matter so as to ensure that Scottish supplies arrive in time for planting?

Mr. Williams

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the transport of Scottish seed potatoes has the highest possible priority and will, I hope, continue down to the end of planting time.

Mr. Snadden

Is the right hon. Gentle man aware that Scottish farmers are very anxious to get their seed potatoes away to England but have been held up by lack of transport? I know it is all right now.

Mr. Williams

Of course they were held up because they could not dress the potatoes, but transport is now available for them.

Mr. Hare

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the brand known as "Majestic" seed potatoes is most widely used in East Anglia, and in fact, that these potatoes are not being sent by rail at all but by boat? Is he further aware that it takes some three weeks to get delivery on a farm in East Anglia by this method as opposed to five days by rail direct? Will he, therefore, do all he can, in view of the particularly difficult circumstances, to see that these potatoes are sent by rail and not by boat?

Mr. Williams

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we are very anxious that the seed potatoes should be delivered, and that the Ministry of Transport has provided the highest priority, whether by rail, road or sea.