Tobacco Growing (Great Britain)

10.

Mr. CHARLES BATHURST
asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he can state in what parts of Great Britain tobacco is now being grown, either by way of experiment or with a view to commercial profit; and whether, and to what extent, Grants out of the Development Fund have been made or promised for the former purpose?

Mr. W. BENN (Junior Lord of the Treasury)
The several districts in Great Britain in which areas have been approved for the cultivation of tobacco are as follows: Norfolk, Suffolk, Kent, Hampshire, Surrey, Worcester, Warwick, Gloucestershire, Carnarvonshire, Kirkcudbrightshire. A report by the Development Commission relative to a Grant for an experimental scheme of commercial tobacco-growing is now before the Treasury.

Mr. C. BATHURST
Can the hon. Member say whether tobacco is being successfully grown in all those counties of a kind fit to smoke?

Mr. W. BENN
I have no knowledge of that. That is one of the questions upon which the Development Commissioners may come to a decision upon and act.

Mr. KING
Can some samples be made available for hon. Members?

Mr. W. BENN
I think my hon. Friend should apply to the growers.

Mr. GOLDSMITH
Can the hon. Member say how many acres are under cultivation at the present time?

Mr. W. BENN
I shall be glad to give that information if the hon. Member will put a question down.