HC Deb 06 February 1945 vol 407 cc1934-5W
Mr. C. White

asked the Minister of Agriculture the area set or planted with potatoes in 1944 on farm land occupied and worked by the Derbyshire War Agricultural Executive Committee; the weight of potatoes dug and clamped in the year; the weight of potatoes sold; and the proportion sold as fit for human consumption.

Mr. Hudson

The acreage of potatoes grown by the Derbyshire War Agricultural Executive Committee in 1944 was 196¼ acres. The quantity lifted was 996 tons, and the quantity sold 676 tons, of which 642 tons were for human consumption. The remainder of the crop is still in clamps.

Mr. C. White

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will state the amount of subsidy paid by the Ministry of Food to the Derbyshire War Agricultural Executive Committee in connection with the growing of potatoes on land occupied and worked by that Committee in 1944.

Mr. Hudson

The acreage payment to the Derbyshire War Agricultural Executive Committee in respect of potatoes grown by the Committee in 1944 was £1,962 10s. 0d.

Mr. C. White

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will state the number of farms requisitioned in Derbyshire by the Derbyshire County War Agricultural Committee; the number of cases in which the rent has not yet been agreed; and the amount of rent owing to the dispossessed owners or occupiers.

Mr. Hudson

With regard to the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton (Mr. Craven-Ellis) on 7th May, 1942, of which I am sending him a copy.

The amount of compensation rent has not been agreed in respect of six farms, as regards four of which claims have not been submitted. The amount owing cannot be stated until a settlement has been effected. It is the usual practice to make payments on account in cases where negotiations are prolonged.