§ 48. Mr. J. Morrisonasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is satisfied with the potash supplies for fertilisers; and what is being done to increase the production of compound fertilisers.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsPotash supplies have been arriving at a record rate and I am expecting further considerable quantities. By the end of March supplies should be sufficient for reasonable dressings for all spring crops this year. I am aware, however, that some orders are still awaiting fulfilment. After consultation with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade and with the National Farmers' Union arrangements are being made for considerable tonnages of the high grade material, scheduled for delivery by the end of March, to be reserved for the manufacture of potato compounds. I hope this, together with the voluntary co-operation of farmers in reserving potash for their priority crops at this period of peak demand, will ease the situation. Everything possible is being done to increase still further supplies from abroad.