HC Deb 03 June 1937 vol 324 cc1177-8
59. Mr. Westwood

(forMr. T. Henderson) asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he proposes to take to lessen the hardship caused to consumers by the further rises which are taking place in the already high prices of potatoes?

Mr. Stanley

The increase in the price of potatoes is not due to causes which are within the power of the Government to control. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 20th April to the hon. Member for the St. Rollox Division (Mr. Leonard) to which I would add, that although larger quotas were allotted to importers in May, they were still unable to fill them.

Mr. Alexander

Is not the President of the Board of Trade aware that the price factor is contributed to in two respects which are within the control of the Government, namely, the power to impose an import duty and the restriction of acreage under a penalty of £5 per acre?

Mr. Stanley

I could not assume that an increase in price was caused by the presence of a duty which has been on for some time, and in any case, I would remind the right hon. Gentleman that the question of a duty is, in the first place, one for the Import Duties Advisory Committee.

Mr. Alexander

Is it not the case that last year the Government consented to a reduction of the duty for three months of the special shortage, in order to correct the price level, and that this year they have declined to do so?