§ Mr. GARDINERasked the Minister of Agriculture how many potatoes were imported from Holland between 1st May, 1922, and 1st February, 1923?
§ Sir R. SANDERSThe total quantity of potatoes imported into the United Kingdom from Holland during the nine months, May, 1922, to January, 1923, was approximately 36,000 tons, of which 34,000 tons were imported in the first four months.
§ Mr. GARDINERasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that a large quantity of best potatoes for table and seed purposes estimated at from 400,000 74W centage of manufactured goods to total exports in each case?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYThe following statement shows the value of the merchandise (produce and manufacture of the United Kingdom) exported from the United Kingdom during the years 1921 and 1922 and registered as consigned to the countries specified, distinguishing in respect of the exports during 1922 the value and proportion of articles wholly or mainly manufactured:
to 500,000 tons, in Great Britain cannot be disposed of either for table, seed, or even cattle-feeding purposes, and, being very perishable, will be useless in about two months' time, that these potatoes are very low-priced and the cheapest foodstuff procurable; and that there is a great shortage in several European countries; and will he, through the Overseas or other Department, arrange for placing as many potatoes as possible where they are most needed, but where the usual methods of sale are meantime suspended owing to international conditions, at very reasonable prices and thus save these surplus potatoes and help farmers and farm labourers?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYI am aware that there is a considerable surplus of potatoes in this country, but I understand that no definite figures are available as to the quantity. From information available, it would appear that the potato crops last year in France, Germany and Austria were also good, and I fear that 75W there is no outstanding demand in European countries such as the hon. Member suggests. As was explained by the then Parliamentary Secretary for Overseas Trade in answer to a question by the hon. Member for the East. Division. of Fife (Mr. Millar) on the 21st February last., the Department. of Overseas Trade transmits at once to the various Departments of Agriculture and to firms likely to be interested any information which may be received as to possible outlets for British grown potatoes. Potatoes have also been included in the Export Credits Scheme.