§ Major Vyvyan Adamsasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will make a statement on the progress and results of the harvest.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsIt is too early yet for my right hon. Friend to make a comprehensive forecast of the outturn of the harvest, since conditions have varied greatly in different districts. Reports so far received indicate that in the Eastern and Southern areas a high proportion of the corn was gathered in good condition and yields are expected to be above average. Over the rest of the country the position is less favourable, and I fear that there will be some loss of millable wheat and that both barley and oats will have suffered from unfavourable weather. Bean52W and pea crops are generally disappointing. The outlook for potatoes is promising, although there are some reports of damage and the sugar beet crop may not be as good as usual.