§ 65. Mr. M. Philips Priceasked the Minister of Food whether he will state the tonnage of ware potatoes still in clamp on the farms; and what steps are being taken to ensure that the large surplus is being diverted to manufacture.
§ Dr. SummerskillIt is estimated that there were 2½ million tons of ware 2052 potatoes on farms in Great Britain on 1st March. My Department is very actively engaged in moving the surplus for stock-feeding and processing, and factories are working to full capacity seven days a week.
§ Mr. Philips PriceCan we be assured that all potatoes of last year's crop, if they do not go for human consumption, will at least find their way into industrial uses?
§ Dr. SummerskillYes, Sir.
§ Colonel HaughtonWould the right hon. Lady be prepared to consider what I believe to be a practical scheme of linking the profitable consumption of surplus potatoes with the problem of the man or woman who wants to keep a pig? Will she be prepared to consider a proposal which I should like to put before her?
§ Dr. SummerskillCertainly, Sir. I am always prepared to consider proposals, especially from the hon. and gallant Gentleman.
§ Major Legge-BourkeCan the right hon. Lady confirm that 70,000 tons a week are now going to processing? How long will she be able to maintain that amount?
§ Dr. SummerskillThirty-two thousand tons are going to stockfeeding and I believe that the quantity mentioned by the hon. and gallant Gentleman goes for processing.