§ 51. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture if he has now received undertakings through the county agricultural executive committees that farmers will voluntarily grow the required acreages of potatoes this season; and what is the total United Kingdom acreage assured, compared with the acreages grown in 1947 and 1946.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe latest figures I have received indicate that for the United Kingdom as a whole, farmers have so far voluntarily undertaken to plan 1,408,038 acres. This is 1 per cent. below the target of 1,423,000 acres which is the same as the actual acreage of 1946, and compares with an acreage of 1,330,000 in 1947. The campaign is still proceeding, and I am confident that this small deficit will be wiped out through the further efforts of farmers, the county branches of the National Farmers' Union and agricultural executive committees. In addition, I would appeal to everyone with an allotment or garden to plant more potatoes this year.