§ Mr. Liddallasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will initiate now preparations for a large extension of the intensive cultivation of early vegetables and salads, and soft fruit and cider orchards, both in the South-western counties and in the East Midlands, so as to avoid having to organise in a hurry and at the last moment, on the cessation of hostilities, open-air employment suitable for unfit demobilised men?
§ Captain McEwenNo, Sir. My right hon. Friend thinks it would be unwise to stimulate the artificial extension of an industry, in advance of an assured increase in demand. As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, there has in recent years been a considerable increase in the intensive cultivation of early vegetables and salads both in open land and under glass. There have also been extensive plantings of cider apple trees in the South-western counties. Any further expansion would need to be very carefully made, lest supplies exceeded demand and the cultivators suffered.