Damage to seed potatoes has been practically confined to those in transit or awaiting loading; potatoes still in clamps during the frost have suffered very little. As in previous years, supplies of certified seed potatoes will not be sufficient to meet all demands, but I am satisfied that enough "once-grown" seed will be available to plant the balance of the acreage desired. Deliveries of Scottish and Northern Ireland seed are well behind schedule, but every effort is being made to expedite delivery. The highest possible priority is being accorded to consignments moving by rail. The maximum size of potatoes permitted to be sold as seed has been increased from 2 in. to 2¼ in., and growers' prices for once-grown seed of the principal maincrop varieties are being increased by 10s. per ton.