§ 150. Mr. F. Longdenasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that it is proposed to plough in 40 per cent. of the cabbage and other green crops in Norfolk on account of the high costs of marketing and low prices received by the farmers; and what steps he is taking to save this produce and to avoid any recurrence of such waste.
§ Mr. WebbBecause of increased acreages and the high yields resulting from the exceptionally favourable growing weather last autumn, there is a surplus of cabbages in Norfolk for which a market cannot be found. When yields are heavy, surpluses are inevitable, and it is not unusual for them to be ploughed back into76W the land, where they have a value as green manure. There are, I am afraid, no immediately effective steps which I could take to meet this situation; but I hope that the long-term plans for improved fruit and vegetable distribution which are being examined by the Government will minimise waste of this kind.