§ Mr. Wootton-Daviesasked the Minister of Food what progress has been made in the investigations of the production of commercial syrups, alcohol and other compounds from potatoes.
§ Colonel LlewellinFrom experiments in the laboratory and on a commercial scale it has been clearly established that it is possible to make a wide range of products from potatoes, including glucose and other syrups, alcohol, and different forms of dried potato suitable for use in bread and flour confectionery. The development of these processes depends primarily on the potato supply position, since the first call on potatoes must, in existing circumstances, be for direct use as human food.
§ Mr. Granvilleasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that there is a serious shortage of potatoes in many villages in North-east Suffolk; that owing to the restrictions imposed by the Potato Board while there is a shortage now, there is likely to be, as last year, a glut later resulting in the waste of considerable quantities of potatoes; and if he will take steps to release and regulate supplies now in accordance with legitimate demand.
§ Colonel LlewellinYes, Sir, I am aware that there has been a shortage of potatoes in a few villages in North-east Suffolk, due to local supplies having been used up. Action has been taken to make supplies available in this district and, where necessary, demand will be met by the release of Ministry-owned stocks.