§ Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Minister of Agriculture what is the potato acreage which it is hoped United Kingdom farmers will plant in the forthcoming season; what is taken as the minimum yield per acre; and what steps he proposes taking to ensure the target is reached.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe Government hopes that United Kingdom farmers will in 1949 grow not less than 1,400,000 acres of potatoes. The lowest average yield recorded in recent years was 5.8 tons per acre in 1947, when weather conditions were wholly exceptional throughout the season: for most purposes the average yield over the last ten years is used as a basis of calculation, the 1939–48 average being 7.1 tons per acre. The prices fixed and announced a year ago and the guidance given by C.A.E.C.s are designed to secure the co-operation of farmers in the attainment of this target.