§ 53. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Food how many chauffeuses are employed to drive his regional officers round visiting farms to inspect potatoes; and why this inspection is not carried out by the local staff of the county agricultural executive committees.
§ Mr. StracheyTwo of our potato staff regularly use cars from the Ministry of Supply Pool and others do so occasionally. The Ministry of Supply Car Pool provides common service for Government Departments and employs both men and women drivers. The responsibility for buying potatoes rests with my Department and not the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
§ Mr. HurdCould there not be a little co-operation in the interests of public economy as there are already competent people stationed in the district?
§ Mr. StracheyWe can examine that, but I think the actual potato buying must be done by the staff of the Ministry of Food.