HL Deb 24 August 1945 vol 137 c190WA
VISCOUNT BLEDISLOE

asked His Majesty's Government, whether and when it will be possible to render available supplies of phosphatic fertilizers for dressing permanent pastures, suffering from serious phosphate starvation under war conditions, in view of the extreme difficulty of maintaining otherwise the maximum yield of milk from grass-fed dairy cattle.

THE EARL OF HUNTINGDON

The provision of increased quantities of phosphatic fertilizers to allow for the dressing of permanent pastures is dependent mainly on the availability of labour for making full use of the productive capacity of the fertilizer works. My right honourable friend is in consultation with the Minister of Supply regarding an increase in phosphatic fertilizer production, during the 1945–46 season, that would be sufficient to allow for the withdrawal of the present restrictions on the use of this fertilizer. It is not yet possible to say when the need can be met for phosphates for permanent pastures, which is fully appreciated by my right honourable friend.

House adjourned at twenty-five minutes past twelve o'clock.