§ Major CARVERasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the fact that some farmers are finding it does not pay them, owing to the existing low prices, to lift their potatoes; and if he can state the acreage of such land which has not been cleared?
§ Mr. N. BUXTONWhile I am aware of the difficulties of the situation, I have not heard of any instance where the farmer has decided not to lift the crop.
§ Mr. MILLARasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his Department has investigated the possibility of using the present surplus of potatoes for the manufacture of farina, commercial spirits, or other products, or of drying them for use for stock-feeding purposes; and whether he has any proposals to make on the subject?
§ Mr. BUXTONMy Department has recently prepared a memorandum on the question of converting surplus potatoes into various products, including drying them for food for stock. This memorandum has been furnished to the Department of Agriculture for Scotland and also to the National Farmers' Union which has had the question under consideration as regards England and Wales. I am sending the hon. and learned Member a copy of this merorandum.