41. Sir J. D. REESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, under the operation of the orders forbidding dealing in potatoes, many tons are rotting in pits, the owners not being allowed to sell, and bills for compensation accruing, which the taxpayer will have to settle?
§ The MINISTER of FOOD (Mr. G. H. Roberts)I have been asked to reply. I am not aware that any wastage of potatoes has been caused by the operation of statutory Orders. The wastage which has recently occurred in the potato clamps is attributable largely to the exceptionally hot weather, which reduced the demand for old potatoes, and increased the rate at which the potatoes deteriorated. Such wastage as is due to the failure of foreign Governments to take delivery of potatoes for which they contracted will be covered by the payments to be made by the Governments concerned.
Sir J. D. REESIs not this loss to be attributable still more to the continued interference of "Dora" in matters in which she should no longer be concerned?
§ Mr. ROBERTSThat is a matter of opinion.