§ 54. Mr. CLEARYasked the Minister of Agriculture what answer he has returned to the protest from the Liverpool Fruiterers' Association against the rise in the price of potatoes due to import restrictions?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Elliot)As the protest to which the hon. Member refers was only received this morning, no answer has yet been sent, but I may say that although there was a rise in prices of early potatoes last week owing to a slight gap between Spanish supplies and the commencement of the English crop, I understand that the market is now well supplied and that prices have fallen very considerably over the week-end.
§ Mr. CLEARYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that prices are now much lower, namely, 14s. instead of 26s., as it was at the week-end, solely because there was no demand at that price?
§ Sir THOMAS ROSBOTHAMIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the rise in potatoes took place after the unfortunate frost, and that it has only been temporary; and is he also aware that prior to the 17th May potatoes were sold in Liverpool Market at £2 per ton, which is 30s. below the cost of production?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI think that those facts are substantially correct.
§ Mr. THORNEIf the right hon. Gentleman's wife had bought potatoes last week-end, she would soon have found that my hon. Friend's statement was correct.