HC Deb 15 December 1947 vol 445 cc1456-7
52. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has now received assurances from all the county agricultural executive committees in England and Wales that the required acreages of potatoes will be grown in 1948.

56. Lieutenant-Colonel Corbett

asked the Minister of Agriculture what acreage of potatoes is forecast for next season; and which counties have failed to fulfil his proposed target.

Mr. T. Williams

Some county committees are not yet satisfied that the required acreages of potatoes will be grown in 1948, but the joint propaganda drive by the committees and county branches of the National Farmers' Union is continuing and it is too early to assess the final results of this effort.

Mr. Hurd

When does the Minister think he will be able to announce that the necessary acreage will be grown by voluntary means?

Mr. Williams

Fairly shortly, but it must be understood that the campaign is continuing and that it is still three or four months before all the potatoes will be planted.

Mr. Amory

Does not the Minister agree that this is really a manpower problem, and that farmers are reluctant to incur commitments upon potatoes because of the prospect of manpower shortage?

Mr. Williams

There are several factors contributing to hesitancy in this matter. In some areas, potatoes are not a popular crop with farmers, whatever the price.

Mr. Scollan

Could not my right hon. Friend induce the Secretary of State for War to turn soldiers who may at the present time be doing practically nothing on to potato cultivation upon land that the War Department has taken over?

Mr. Williams

That is a question for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War.