§ 10. Major M'MICKINGasked if the minimum guarantee of £6 per ton for potatoes grown in 1917 will apply to earlies and second earlies; and whether, seeing that this class of potato is perish able, is unsuitable for keeping, and must be marketed day by day as raised, the farmer will in the event of the price on rail falling below the guaranteed minimum be entitled to claim the difference1?
Mr. PROTHBROThe Government minimum guarantee to the grower only applies to potatoes available for sale on and after 15th September, as set out in the reply of the 2nd May to a question by the hon. Member for East Donegal.
§ Major M'MICKINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister on the 23rd February stated that there would be a guaranteed price for this season's potato crop, and how can he reconcile that statement with the reply he has just given to me, which differentiates between that portion of the crop which 148 will be marketed in July and August and the portion which will be marketed at a later date?
§ Mr. PROTHEROI think the Prime Minister's statement must be interpreted by the offer that was then standing under the Food Controller's announcement, which refers only to marketable ware potatoes of the main crop when available on sale after 15th September.