HC Deb 21 February 1951 vol 484 c205W
Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Food what was the reason for the wastage of about 70 per cent. of the 1948 carrot crop amounting to 28,000 tons; and how much it has cost.

Mr. Webb

The Ministry of Food guaranteed this crop (which was exceptionally heavy) and had to buy 117,000 tons out of approximately 455,000 tons. But it is incorrect to say the 70 per cent. was wasted. About 33,000 tons (7½ per cent. of the crop) had to be left on farms because no outlet could be found for human consumption or stockfeeding. The cost was £246,800.