§ Mr. HASLAMasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the contents of a letter directed to the Director-General of Food Production, dated 29th March, in which it is stated by the secretary of the Newport Allotment Holders' and Gardeners' Association that the understanding with the local potato dealers, made under the advice of the corporation allotments committee, has broken down, as the dealers have no seed potatoes for sale; that there are hundreds of allotment holders in Newport and district requiring on an average each a half cwt. of seed; and that fresh ground is being broken up for allotments; and will he state whether seed potatoes are being retained by the Government for the use of allotment holders or whether a supply for their needs is forthcoming?
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§ Sir R. WINFREYThe Board have received the information regarding the failure of the local arrangements for the supply of seed potatoes to the members of the Newport Allotment Holders' and Gardeners' Association, and are advised that a large number of small cultivators desire to secure supplies of potatoes for planting in the Newport district. The provision already made by the Board for the supply of seed potatoes to small growers through war agricultural committees was intended to meet the demands of those committees which were received up to the 15th February, and until these demands are fully met no further claims for supplies can be definitely accepted.
§ Mr. FLAVINasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the 80 tons of Up-to-Date potatoes to be supplied to the Listowel Rural District Council through the Department of Agriculture by Warden and Stewart, of May Street, Belfast, have not yet been received at Listowel; and will he say what is the cause of the delay?
§ Mr. BRACEThe Department of Agriculture inform me that the consignments of potatoes referred to were forwarded from the North of Ireland on the 27th, 28th, and 29th ultimo and passed through Dublin on the 29th to 31st ultimo. The total quantity should now have reached its destination.