28 NOVEMBER 1931, Page 13

The scheme is not easy to carry through. It would

mean a much more thorough system of grading ; and some better ha'son would have to be arranged between the merchants and the associated producers. But none of the difficulties is insurmountable ; and even an approach to the ideal would be of real benefit. One detail of the use of potatoes among foreign farmers is of practical concern to us. The Germans consume no less than 38 per cent. of their crop in feeding Pigs. Some 6 per cent. less is sold for direct human con- sumption. Of all the deficiencies in British production, none is so obvious as the smallness of our " pig population " compared with that of the countries to which we pay some 40 million pounds a year for pig products.

* * * *