§ Captain CROOKSHANKasked the Minister of Agriculture if he has any information regarding the conditions under which Algerian potatoes are raised in order to compete with British potatoes in the spring; and, if not, whether he will call for a Report from the competent British representative and present it to this House?
§ Mr. N. BUXTONIn view of the differences between this country and Algeria in climate, soil, and numerous other respects, I do not think that the results from the preparation of a special report would justify the time and labour required.
§ Mr. BLINDELLasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to Report No. 8 of the Empire Marketing Board dealing with experimental consignments of potatoes from Palestine into this country, and that these potatoes are likely to be marketed during the months of February, March and April; and whether, in view of the fact that there is an ample supply of good British potatoes available, he will discourage these importations and so assist in the marketing of the British crop?
§ Mr. BUXTONI understand that in 1928 and 1929 the Empire Marketing Board were asked to obtain the views of the trade upon certain very small and experimental consignments of potatoes sent to them by the Government Experimental Station in Palestine. So far no commercial consignments have been attempted, and I am informed that it is doubtful whether Palestine is able to adapt its agricultural practices go as to send commercial consignments in the three months, February, March and April, mentioned. In view of the fact that there will certainly not be any commercial supplies of Palestine potatoes on the market this year to compete with the home crop, the last part of the question does not arise.