HC Deb 06 March 1917 vol 91 cc194-5
27. Mr. EUGENE WASON

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware of the shortage of the supply of potatoes in Scotland and the probable cause, or causes, of the shortage; and will he say what he proposes as the best means of dealing with the difficulty?

The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)

The answer to the first part of my right hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. With regard to the last part, I have made certain proposals to the War Cabinet, and I hope to be able in a day or two to announce the course which it is proposed to adopt.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has proposed that a price shall be fixed which will make consumers in Scotland pay a farthing more a pound than in England?

Mr. MUNRO

I would prefer not to refer to the, details of the proposal until a decision has been arrived at.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware there will be the strongest opposition to any such proposal?

Mr. MUNRO

That is not the information which I received from the deputation on Thursday.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Was it a deputation of consumers or of traders?

Mr. AlNSWORTH

May I be allowed to ask whether a stock of potatoes for Scotland from Ireland has been ordered by the Food Ministry on the authority of the War Cabinet?

Mr. MUNRO

If I may say so, that is a question which might be more appropriately directed to the Food Minister.

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