§ Mr. FLAVINasked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether be is aware that numerous applications have been made to the London County Council for seed potatoes by small cultivators in many parts of London; whether he is aware that all the forms and regulations have been complied with and even the money paid for the seed potatoes by the applicants over six weeks ago; and why many of these people have not yet received the seed for which they have prepared their plots of land?
§ Sir R. WINFREYThe answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. Part of the consignment has been delivered, and the greater part of the balance is now in transit. The weather during the past six weeks has been very unfavourable for bringing seed potatoes from Scotland, frequent frosts have interfered with the loading, and made the railway journey risky. The potatoes in question are maincrop varieties, suitable tor planting until the end of this month. In view of the present weather it will be undesirable to plant the majority of the plots to which the hon. Member refers before the middle of the month.