§ Sir R. Glynasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now give the results of working of the Army Agricultural Scheme, indicating the financial benefits to the soldiers and to the Treasury and what acreage has been brought under cultivation; and what have been the value and nature of the crops and vegetables grown?
§ Captain MargessonThe accounts are not yet in a final form. Expenditure is estimated at £80,000 including staff: sales of produce are estimated to realise some £110,000. The scheme was financed initially from public funds and after expenditure including reimbursements to public funds has been paid the net profits are to be distributed in the proportion of 50 per cent. to unit funds and 50 per cent. to the State. £15,000 on account is now being distributed to unit funds. The acreage cultivated by the troops under the scheme in 1941 was 5,857 acres. The crops grown comprised oats, potatoes and the usual garden produce.