asked the Minister of Agriculture how much acreage was used for growing potatoes in 1946, 1947, and what is the estimated acreage for 1948.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the acreage of potatoes to be grown in 1948.

The total acreage of potatoes in the United Kingdom in 1946 was 1,423,000, and in 1947 1,330,000. The target for 1948 is about double the average prewar acreage.

Is the Minister satisfied that if we do get a bad winter again the acreage is sufficient? Will he consult the Ministers of the Service Departments, to see that we get the maximum acreage tilled by troops in Service camps?

I am quite sure that those associated with Service camps are making the best use for agricultural purposes, of land available to them. In regard to the first part of the supplementary question, if we get our target of 1,423,000 acres and secure the normal yield of 7.13 tons an acre that means about 10 million tons of potatoes, or 2 million more than we had in 1947.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that sufficient seed potatoes will be forthcoming for this additional planting?

Mr. Vane:

When allocating acreages and pressing farmers to plant potatoes,' I hope he will not press counties like Westmorland, where potato growing is difficult, but rather choose areas like the Don Valley, where it is easy?

We can only choose areas where we know the contribution will be good, and where it ought to be made for the national supply.