§ 10. Captain Marsdenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the cargo of potatoes offered to this country by the citizens of Maine, U.S.A., to be shipped in the "Yankee Friendship" was refused.
§ Mr. WoodburnThe danger of Colorado Beetle infestation has made it necessary to refuse applications for licences to land in Scotland potatoes grown in the U.S.A.
§ Captain MarsdenIs the Minister aware that the potato first came from America with Sir Walter Raleigh? Does he realise that this particular cargo underwent every possible test in the United States, and does he mean that what is good enough for the generous inhabitants of Maine is not good enough for Gorbals?
§ Mr. WoodburnGorbals requires as good a standard of food as Westminster. It is 192 time something was done to get much speedier results?
§ Mr. WoodburnThese houses are of pretty solid construction and not so easily finished as what are called temporary houses. We are going on as quickly as we can.
Following is the answer
more important to protect one million tons of potatoes than to safeguard the importation of an odd 10. Clearly, it is most important to preserve the stock of potatoes in this country, and especially seed potatoes which come from Scotland. We cannot take any risks at all in importing potatoes from outside.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanWhile I agree with the right hon. Gentleman in the importance of protecting seed potatoes, would it not be possible for an inspection to be made simply and quickly by the Department of Agriculture if these gifts were sent over?
§ Mr. WoodburnIf there had been a large quantity of potatoes which would have made a vital contribution to the food position in this country it might have been possible. Since it was only a token gift of potatoes there was no justification 193 in taking a risk for the sake of allowing in that particular token gift, when the danger was so great.