18. Duchess of ATHOLLasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that under the potato marketing scheme the price fixed at which authorised merchants are required to sell to retailers is about 70s. a ton, but that they can buy at 30s. or 40s. per ton from. the registered producer, and that even at that price producers find it difficult to dispose of their produce; and will he advise the Potato Marketing Board to reduce the price at which the authorised merchant must sell in order to increase the demand and so give the registered producer a better chance to dispose of his produce?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Elliot)With regard to the first part of the question, I am informed by the Potato Marketing Board that they have 783 not fixed the prices at which authorised merchants shall sell to retailers. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.
Duchess of ATHOLLI wonder whether the Marketing Board can take any steps to make that fact clear, because the farmers in my part of the world appear to be under a different impression?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI think the Noble Lady's question and the answer to it will have the effect of disseminating the information desired.
§ Mr. PALINGCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is the case that these wholesalers are selling for 70s. a ton and buying at about 30s. to 40s. a ton?
§ Mr. ELLIOTNo, Sir.