§ 31. Mr. Westwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that, as a result of the action of the Potato Marketing Board, last season's potatoes were raised in price in the month of May from £3 to £7 per ton; that the board were demanding £9 10s. per ton at the end of the month; that this increasing price mainly affected the working classes; and what action does he propose to avoid this happening in future?
§ Mr. ColvilleWhile I am aware of the rise in the prices of last season's potatoes in the month of May, I can find no evidence that the increase in prices was attributable to any action of the Potato Marketing Board, and according to my information there has been no case in Scotland where the price of potatoes of any one variety has risen from £3 to £7 per ton. I am also assured by the board that the highest price at which they have sold potatoes in Scotland is very much less than £9 10s. per ton. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to replies given to questions in the House regarding potato prices on 19th, 24th and 31st May.
§ Mr. LeachCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Potato Marketing Board contemplate the export of any further supplies of potatoes to Spain?
§ Mr. MacquistenIs not the purpose of the Potato Marketing Board to restrict production?
§ Mr. WestwoodCan the right hon. Gentleman give the House any indication of what the average price was in May as compared with March?
§ Mr. ColvilleI should require notice in order to give the figures. It was a great deal less than the figures which the hon. Member suggested.