§ 79. Mr. BLUNDELLasked the hon. Member for Cheltenham, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, whether he is aware that potatoes of the finest quality can be purchased for approximately 30s. per ton; and if he will provide, in future, better potatoes than those at present available in the dining rooms?
§ Sir J. AGG-GARDNERI am aware that potatoes can be pruchased in the neighbourhood of Ormskirk—the hon. Member's constituency—for 30s. a ton, but the freight and cartage to the House of Commons would require an addition of 46s per ton, thus raising the price to 2090 76s. This is approximately the price we are now paying for King Edward potatoes, which I am advised are the best in the market.
§ Mr. BLUNDELLWill the hon. Gentleman make representations to the Minister of Transport?
§ 80. Mr. BLUNDELLasked the hon. Member for Cheltenham, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, if, as an earnest of the practical sympathy of the House of Commons with British agriculture, he will substitute Welsh mutton for Canterbury lamb as a standing dish on the bill of fare?
§ Sir J. AGG-GARDNERAs we find there is a demand for Canterbury lamb at this season of the year, we supply it. But if the supply of British meat is to be accepted as an earnest of our sympathy with British agriculture, we can claim that expression of sympathy, as British meat is always a standing dish on our bill of fare.
§ Mr. HARRISIs not the Canterbury lamb supplied really only New Zealand mutton?
§ Sir J. AGG-GARDNERNo. It is Canterbury lamb.