HC Deb 18 December 1936 vol 318 c2807W
Mr. DENVILLE

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the number of farmers on the Potato Marketing Board, how many are wholesalers, and how many are appointed by him?

Mr. W. S. MORRISON

The Potato Marketing Board consists of 31 members, of whom 24 are elected by registered producers voting by districts; five special members are elected by registered producers in general meeting and two members are co-opted by the elected members after consultation with the Market Supply Committee. None of the members are appointed by the Minister. I understand that of the 29 elected members of the present board, 25 are farmers and four are merchants.

Mr. DENVILLE

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the estimated crop of potatoes in 1936, the number of acres planted, and the approximate tons per acre?

Mr. W. S. MORRISON

The area planted with potatoes on holdings exceeding one acre in size in England and Wales in 1936 was 457,000 acres, the crop is estimated at 2,814,000 tons, and the average yield per acre at 6.2 tons.