HC Deb 25 November 1947 vol 444 c260W
Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for War how much land now being used by his Department is suitable for growing potatoes; and if, in view of the serious potato shortage, he will release it for this purpose.

Mr. Shinwell

The maximum area of land held by my Department is already made available for agriculture, consistent with military requirements, and it is not therefore possible to release further land for the purpose of growing any particular crop. It is a matter for the tenant or the county agricultural executive committees to determine what area of land now under cultivation is suitable for growing potatoes.