§ 32. Colonel YATEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether an Army Order was issued to the troops that all potatoes were to be peeled; whether he is aware that the most valuable parts of the potato are next the skin and are thus wasted; whether the Order is still-in force; and, if so, will it be cancelled?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)No, Sir; no Army Order has ever been issued that potatoes should be peeled. On the contrary, as I informed the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland on the 13th instant, the peeling of potatoes is strictly forbidden, except when the dietary of the troops makes it necessary.
§ 90. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that a potato merchant named Boot, residing in St. George's Road, Forest Gate, East, was selling pota- 408 toes to the people at 2½d. or 3d. per pound and had a notice up stating that they were seed potatoes; and if he can take any action in the matter?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD CONTROL (Captain Bathurst)I am obliged to the hon. Member for bringing this case to my notice. I am causing inquiries to be made, and proceedings will be taken if it can be proved that any of the Potato Orders have been contravened.
§ Mr. BRADY(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it has been brought to his notice that there is a serious shortage of potatoes in Dublin, and whether any steps have been taken to meet the difficulty?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Duke)I am aware of the shortage of potatoes in Dublin. The city was not in fact without supplies, both wholesale and retail, when wholesale dealings were suspended, but the stores were being rapidly exhausted. Steps have been taken to bring forward such potatoes as are immediately available in Ulster, and temporary relief will no doubt be thus obtained. Next week increased prices to producers will come into operation and this is expected to release some additional supplies. It must be borne in mind, however, that the partial failure of the potato crop is an inevitable cause of scarcity in Ireland as well as in Great Britain. As to possible future action, I am consulting with the Food Controller in the hope that arrangements may be devised which will ensure better regularity in the marketing of such supplies as are available.
Mr. NUGENTWill the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to receive a deputation from the wholesale merchants in connection with this whole question of food in Dublin?