§ 49. Colonel Ropnerasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now give any estimate of the total acreage which will be devoted to growing potatoes during 1948.
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)The latest estimates indicate that farmers in the United Kingdom intend to plant this year 1,425,900 acres of potatoes. This forecast exceeds the target by 2,900 acres. This position reflects great credit on the farming community, the county agricultural executive committees, and the county branches of the National Farmers' Union, who have all co-operated to bring it about. The target set was, however, a minimum, and any further acerage that can be achieved will be of the utmost value. Nor do I need to point out that a great effort on the part of all concerned is still needed to ensure that the largest possible yield is attained from the acreage planted.
§ Colonel RopnerIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that, even in a poor or moderate year, this acreage will provide sufficient tonnage to enable the rationing of potatoes to be done away with?
§ Mr. WilliamsI hope so, assuming that the yields are of the best.
Lieut.-Colonel Geoffrey Clifton-BrownCan the Minister say how much of that acreage represents early potatoes, and, if so, what will be the shortage of earlies against main crop?
§ Mr. WilliamsNot without notice of that question.
§ Mr. BaldwinIs the Minister aware that the acreage target is all wrong, that he should go in for a tonnage target, and, in order to get that target, will he consider doing away with the subsidy payment and pay a better price to those who produce the potatoes?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat has nothing to do with the original Question.