§ Sir WORTHINGTON EVANSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the disproportionate rise in price of seed potatoes when sold in small quantities of 56 pounds and 28 pounds; and what steps he proposes to take to 865W ensure a supply for smallholders and occupiers of allotments at reasonable prices?
§ Mr. ACLANDThe evidence which the Board have does not lead them to the conclusion that there has been in general a disproportionate rise in the price of seed potatoes when sold in small lots. But, undoubtedly, considerable increases in price may take place in such cases, particularly when the potatoes pass through several hands. The Board, therefore, strongly advocate schemes of co-operative purchase by smallholders. They have also addressed a letter to the county war agricultural committees, giving particulars of a successful scheme for supplying seed potatoes in Somersetshire last season, and urging all such committees to arrange similar measures immediately with the object of securing supplies of seed for planting in 1917. The Board will do their very best to help the committees to carry out co-operative schemes of this kind. A Departmental Committee has under close consideration the question of preserving a sufficient amount of the present crop for seed next year.
§ Mr. LUNDONasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in view of the shortage of the potato crop and the difficulty with which the Irish labourers will be faced in the spring with regard to seed potatoes, he will be willing to receive a deputation from the representatives of the land and labour organisation in connection with the matter upon a date which will be convenient to him?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Irish Department of Agriculture inform me that after careful consideration of such figures as are available in regard to the position of the potato crop in the various portions of the United Kingdom, they do not at present anticipate that there will be a scarcity of seed potatoes in Ireland. As pointed out, however, in answer to numerous recent questions on the subject, the Department are taking all possible steps to impress upon farmers the necessity for exercising the strictest economy in regard to potatoes, and especially the desirability of saving as far as possible all seed potatoes. If the organisation mentioned will send me a statement of any representations they may wish to make I shall be pleased to consider them, and I could then see whether the objects in view would be advanced by my receiving a deputation.