§ Sir W. RUTHERFORDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that numerous private growers of potatoes on gardens and other small plots who last season produced more potatoes than their families can possibly consume, find themselves unable to dispose of, or utilise, their surplus stocks, having regard to local conditions, absence of market, and absence of transport; and whether arrangements can be made to secure these surplus stocks on suitable terms, and make them available for consumption in the towns and in districts where the supplies are short?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe Director-General of the Food Production Department has established a special section of that Department for the purpose of dealing with the subject of the marketing of the surplus produce grown in allotments and gardens, and the Ministry of Food are giving every assistance in their power. A Conference will be held during the coming week at which schemes for the formation of central marketing committees will be discussed, and it is further proposed to form village depots in suitable localities. So far as the coming season is concerned, as regards such fruit and vegetable produce as will be purchased by the Food Controller from the larger cultivators, it is hoped to extend facilities for sale to recognised associations of smaller growers in districts where a surplus is likely to arise.