HC Deb 21 June 1948 vol 452 cc949-50
58. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Minister of Agriculture if the wheat and potatoes acreages of last year will be maintained or increased for 1948.

Mr. T. Williams

Pending the results of the 4th June agricultural census, which will not became available until August, I am expecting that the 1948 wheat acreage in the United Kingdom will be roughly 2,300,000 acres compared with 2,163,000 acres last year, and the potato acreage 1,460,000 acres, compared with 1,330,000 acres last year. Both crops, therefore, promise an increase over 1947, and the expected potato acreage in 1948 will, if it is realised, be a record.

Mr. Davies

Have any cropping directions been given to the farmers?

Mr. Williams

No, Sir.

59. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Minister of Agriculture the estimated total acreage of all crops for 1948, as compared with 1947.

Mr. T. Williams

Pending the results of the 4th June agricultural census, which will not become available until August, I am expecting that the total crop in the United Kingdom will increase by at least a quarter of a million acres, and perhaps nearly half a million acres, compared with last year.

Mr. Davies

Can my right hon. Friend give the specific acreage for the grain and root crops separately?

Mr. Williams

The increase in the grain crops between this year and last was 300,000 to 350,000 acres; in the case of roots, including potatoes, it was 100,000 acres, and, in the case of linseed, it was some 60,000 acres.

Mr. Davies

Does my right hon. Friend envisage any expansion in livestock production as a result?

Mr. Williams

Yes, Sir. During the last 12 months the number of breeding sows has increased by no less than 60 per cent. and the number of poultry under one year of age by 95 per cent.