84. Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYasked the Food Controller whether he is now in a position to communicate the results of his inquiries regarding the removal of potatoes from the North-Eastern counties of Scotland, and the orders which it is alleged were given to railway companies to refuse to carry potatoes?
Mr. ROBERTSThe position to which the hon. and gallant Member called attention was due to the fact that one of the contracts for the shipment of potatoes to Europe was cancelled at short notice when it had only been partially completed and it was necessary for the loading of potatoes for export under this contract to be stopped. Shipments of potatoes from Scottish ports to the Continent have, however, now been resumed, and I hope that the whole of the surplus potatoes in Scotland will have been removed by 30th June. If there are still potatoes remaining in the growers' hands on that date, arrangements will be made by the Ministry of Food to take over these potatoes and to pay for them.
Lieut-Colonel MURRAYDoes that mean that some potatoes or the unsound potatoes too will be taken over? There will be very few sound potatoes loft. Will the Food Controller consider advancing the date for adjudication?
Mr. ROBERTSWe are dealing with the situation, and I think the hon. Member will find that it will be satisfactory.