§ 17. Mr. Westwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the rise in potato prices in Scotland, with its consequent hardship on the poorer classes of the community; and, if so, what action does he propose to deal with this problem?
Mr. WedderburnI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries on 19th May to a similar question by the hon. Member for East Fife (Mr. Gallacher).
§ Mr. WestwoodIs the hon. Gentleman aware that that answer dealt with the English situation, and that I am asking a question dealing with Scotland? Is he aware that potato prices have risen as much as from 2d. to 6d. a stone and that they are selling in Glasgow as high as is. 6d.? What action is the Minister taking to safeguard Scottish people from this exploitation, which is his responsibility?
Mr. WedderburnThe question referred to did not only apply to England but to the whole of the United Kingdom. While potato prices have risen lately, they are, I think, still lower than they were in the corresponding week last year. The hon. Gentleman will find references to the policy of the Potato Board in the question to which I referred.
§ Mr. PalingIs the rise in prices due to the action of the Potato Marketing Board?