HC Deb 11 May 1966 vol 728 cc76-7W
Mr. Body

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) whether he will give an estimate of the quantity of cauliflowers which has been ploughed in, or otherwise wasted, during the last 12 months;

(2) whether he will give an estimate of the quantity of onions which has been ploughed in, or otherwise wasted, during the last 12 months;

(3) whether he will give an estimate of the quantity of carrots which has been ploughed in, or otherwise wasted, during the last 12 months.

Mr. Hoy

There are no estimates of the acreage or potential output of crops sown but not harvested. The difference between the quantity harvested and the quantity sent to market in any year is largely accounted for by lower grade produce or deterioration in storage. The difference in the past 12 months was normal for cauliflowers and carrots but was higher than usual for onions because bad weather during harvesting seriously affected keeping quality.