asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will take steps to encourage all military commands, as is already done in some, to supply troops with fresh vegetables from allotments and gardens in adjacent villages in place of tinned vegetables now used?

The troops are supplied with vegetables through the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes, whose purchasing arrangements must be such as to ensure a continuous supply. At my request, the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes have been encouraged to buy such produce locally as far as possible, but my hon. Friend will appreciate that it is not practicable for them to take occasional small quantities of vegetables which may be available for disposal in village allotments and gardens unless the individuals concerned can arrange for collection and delivery in bulk.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that the case I put before him is one of an association with a large number of growers? Is he further aware that nothing or very little is being done to encourage them to continue producing?

I shall be very grateful if my hon. Friend will come and discuss that point with me.

Is the Minister aware that hundreds of tons of cabbages are being wasted in Lincolnshire and that there are thousands of troops round about who can well do with them?

Is the Minister aware that the same thing applies to Suffolk?

Will the Minister consider supplying seeds to troops at camps where there is ground suitable and available for cultivation?

That is another point; but it is very unsatisfactory that we cannot use the produce that is there.