HC Deb 30 March 1917 vol 92 cc756-7
18. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that at Grantham and other towns the greengrocers are selling potatoes, both large and small, as seed potatoes at 2.½. and 3d. per lb.; whether he will now make an Order that all potatoes exposed for sale should be called cooking potatoes; if he is aware that on Monday next, 2nd April, the potato growers will be allowed to charge an extra 20s. per ton and that the greengrocers will be allowed to sell them at an extra ¼d. per lb., which means that the consumer will be called upon to pay £2 6s. 8d. per tos, or an extra £l 6s. 8d. per ton; and, in view of the rapid advance in the price of foods such as haricot beans, lentils, rice etc., whether a maximum will be fixed at once at the selling price obtained in February?

Captain BATHURST

In any cases where it appears that potatoes are being sold at prices in contravention of the Food Controller's Orders proceedings will be taken. The particular case at Grantham does not appear to have been brought to the Food Controller's notice. It is not possible to take the action suggested in the second part of the question. On the contrary, it has been found necessary to extend the operation of the Seed Potatoes (Prices) Order to the 15th April. The answer to the third part of the question is in the affirmative. The increased price for April and subsequent months was deliberately allowed with a view to preventing premature depletion of stocks, and the Food Controller is not prepared, accordingly, to reduce this price, as suggested in the fourth part of the question.

Mr. THORNE

Has the hon. Gentleman seen his statement, which appeared in the "Star," in reference to—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member cannot ask questions as to what papers Ministers read.

Mr. BILLING

Is it not a fact that the only means that the Food Controller has of obtaining convictions is on the basis of the common informer?

Mr. THORNE

Is the hon. Member aware that as soon as there is a big demand for any of these seeds there is a jump in the price at once?

Mr. SPEAKER

We must get on with the questions. We cannot have a Debate by means of questions and answers