HC Deb 17 November 1947 vol 444 cc801-3
49. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to restore the potato acreage; and if he has now received assurances from county agricultural executive committees that the full acreage required in 1948 will be grown.

Mr. T. Williams

It is not my present intention to issue directions for the planting of potatoes in 1948. I hope that the targets called for by the agricultural expansion programme, including the potato acreage, will be attained by the voluntary efforts of farmers, stimulated by the substantially increased prices already announced. Complete forecasts of farmers' intentions have not yet been received from agricultural executive committees, but the latest available information indicates that their present intentions fall short of the target of 1,015,000 acres in England and Wales. Committees are undertaking, on my instructions and with the full co-operation of the National Farmers' Union, an intensive campaign to secure the additional acreage.

Mr. Hurd

When does the right hon. Gentleman hope to give the House and the country definite information? Has he asked for assurances by 1st December, or 1st January?

Mr. Williams

I am hoping to have the information late in December.

55. Mr. Platts-Mills

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether in view of the decision to ration potatoes and the likelihood of a run on other root vegetables the prices of which are not at present controlled, he is satisfied that adequate preparations are being made to safeguard next year's potato crop which might otherwise be sacrificed in favour of the higher priced alternative root vegetables.

Mr. T. Williams

For the measures which are being taken to safeguard the 1948 potato crop generally I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I have given today to the hon. Member for Newbury (Mr. Hurd). The only root vegetables which might be grown on farms as an alternative to potatoes are carrots, the price of which is controlled, and swedes, which are at present plentiful. I do not think, therefore, that any serious diversion of acreage from potatoes to these crops in 1948 need be feared.

Mr. Somerville Hastings

Will my right hon. Friend take all necessary steps to prevent seed potatoes being used for food?

Mr. Williams

Something like 1¼ million tons of potatoes are needed for seed, and steps are being taken to that end.