§ Lieutenant-Colonel WEIGALLasked the Food Controller whether he has received from various agricultural organisations in Lincolnshire protests as to the 765W delay in removal of potato crops in the county; whether, owing to prevalence of blight and collapse of clamps, great loss and damage has accrued; and whether, seeing that the total crop is the property of the Government as from the 1st of November, clamps can now be officially measured and contents estimated in view of claims for compensation in consideration of abnormal wastage caused through neglect of the Government to take delivery?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe Food Controller has received representations from various agricultural organisations throughout the United Kingdom concerning the removal of potato crops, which is proceeding as quickly as possible. I may point out that a large surplus crop of potatoes has been grown in the United Kingdom generally, and that, in view of the Armistice, there has of necessity been a reduction in the demand. Every effort is being made by the Ministry to obtain markets abroad to enable stocks of potatoes in the growers' hands to be disposed of as quickly as possible. As regards the latter part of the question, instructions have been issued through the Potato Control Committees as to the procedure for making claims in respect of abnormal wastage of potatoes which have been put in the clamps in sound condition. I am aware that owing to the prevalence of blight in the crop this year, particularly in the Eastern Counties, considerable damage may have accrued.