§ Mr. Turtonasked the Minister of Agriculture the annual number of outbreaks of sheep scab in the counties of Yorkshire (North Riding), Yorkshire (West Riding), Lancashire and Westmorland, during the five-year period, 1938–42, inclusive?
Mr. HudsonThe number of outbreaks of sheep scab in these counties during the period specified was as follows:
Lancashire and Westmorland, in each of the years 1938 to 1942, inclusive?
Mr. HudsonThe number of patrol shepherds employed in these counties during the years 1938–42 was as follows:
in the minds of the people on receipt of such a leaflet, which suggests that these men, doing such good work, have to be fed by charity?
Mr. AlexanderIt is incorrect to say that any appeals have been made by the Admiralty for gifts of fresh vegetables for crews of minesweepers or for any other naval personnel. The leaflet to which my hon. Friend has kindly drawn 2107W my attention is quite unauthorised and the Admiralty has invited the attention of the Women's Voluntary Services to this fact. The crews of all small craft are paid a money allowance to provide themselves with food. This allowance is sufficient to enable them to maintain an adequate and varied diet, including fresh vegetables, and at nearly every port in the United Kingdom they can obtain, under arrangements made by the Admiralty, fresh vegetables in season at very favourable prices. If the men receive gifts of vegetables it means that they are able to save part of their money allowance or spend it on other things. While the Admiralty does not wish to forbid gifts of fresh vegetables, provided that they do not involve any considerable use of the limited transport facilities now available and are likely to reach their destination in good condition, I wish to take this opportunity of making it clear that the Admiralty is in no sense seeking such gifts. I should perhaps add, however, that the Admiralty has associated itself with the Red Cross appeal for onions to be grown for the Fighting Services by means of onion-growing clubs. The Admiralty pays for such onions; the proceeds go to the Red Cross, and the Fleet benefits by getting onions in addition to its allocation from commercially grown crops administered by the Ministry of Food.