HC Deb 20 April 1950 vol 474 cc30-1W
50. Mr. Gooch

asked the Minister of Agriculture what action he is taking to ensure that agricultural production increases by a further 10 per cent. to reach the 20 per cent. called for in the 1947 expansion programme; and what are the targets for wheat, potatoes, and sugar beet in the various regions, and the achievements in 1949.

Mr. T. Williams

From the launching of the agricultural expansion programme in 1947 all sections of the industry, under the able leadership in the counties of the county agricultural executive committees, have given their fullest support to the achievement of the increase in output. In addition to the technical advice and assistance increasingly made available by the N.A.A.S. and the Agricultural Land Service, the Government have made use of a wide variety of means, including price incentives, selective subsidies and general publicity. The Government's policies have also made possible a large amount of production investment in all types of equipment.

In answer to the second part of the Question, I attach to this answer a statement comparing the original target acreages for 1949 with the actual acreages.

I would like to take this opportunity to announce that the Government have decided that the United Kingdom 1951 target acreage for wheat will be reduced by 200,000 acres to 2,550,000 acres, and for potatoes by 50,000 acres to 1,250,000 acres. I hope that this reduction in acreage will be offset by higher yields. I

1949 TARGET AND ACTUAL ACREAGES '000 ACRES
Province Wheat Potatoes Sugar Beet
Target Actual Acreage Target Actual Acreage Target Actual Acreage
Northern … 67 54 54 49.5 .4 .65
Yorks. and Lancs. … 276 228.2 151.5 142.2 33 34.1
West Midland … 263.5 211.5 119 101.5 34.2 35
East Midland … 438.5 376.6 175 164 72.8 74.45
Eastern … 660 524.7 258.5 242.2 232 247.1
South Eastern … 370 291.3 90.6 86.6 12.05 13.5
South Western … 227 174.7 94.2 84 5.25 5.3
Wales … 38 37.6 58.3 58.5 2 2.4
Total—
England & Wales … 2,340 1,898.6 1,001.1 928.5 391.7 412.5
Scotland … 97 63 220 192 10 9
Northern Ireland … 2 2 180 188 — —
United Kingdom Total … 2,439 1,963.6 1,401.1 1,308.5 401.7 421

The failure to reach the wheat target in 1949 was due to some extent at least to the abnormal acreage and yield of potatoes in 1948 and the poor autumn weather.