§ 65. Major CARVERasked the hon. Member for the Gorton Division, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, if he can state the country of origin of the new potatoes which are now being sold in the Members' dining room; and if he is aware that there is still a large quantity of English potatoes practically unsaleable and of a better quality than those now imported?
§ Mr. COMPTONThe new potatoes now being served in the dining rooms are imported from Jersey and Teneriffe. As some Members insist of having new potatoes, and there being no English on sale, the Kitchen Committee endeavour to meet their demands with the next best available. I am aware that there are still plenty of English-grown old potatoes, and last week the refreshment department used 2,016 lbs. against 54 lbs. of new imported. I can assure the hon. Member that directly English new potatoes are in season they will be used in preference to the imported variety.
§ Major CARVERIs the hon. Member aware that a great many of these potatoes now coming in are arriving from 2168 Algeria, and are grown by French convict labour, and does he not think that the Kitchen Committee should set an example to the whole country by buying British potatoes while there is such an ample supply?