§ 52. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the supply of fertilisers has fallen short of requirements in the southern counties; and what action he is taking to ensure that adequate fertilisers, especially potash, are available for the potato crop.
§ Mr. G. BrownMy right hon. Friend is aware that favourable weather has enabled farmers to get well ahead with cultivations and that in consequence there is now an exceptionally brisk demand for fertilisers. Distributors are at present concentrating on the delivery of potato fertilisers and any local and temporary shortage should very soon be overcome.
§ Mr. HurdAs it is potash that is particularly short, could the Parliamentary Secretary say whether we are getting the expected supplies from Palestine and also from Germany and France?
§ Mr. BrownYes, we are getting the supplies which we banked on obtaining, and the supplies of all these fertilisers this season has been larger than last season. Had heed been taken by farmers of the advice to take delivery of potash during the early part of the season, I doubt if there would have been any difficulty.