§ 57. Mr. Woodburnasked the Minister of Food the reason for delay in issuing the potato prices Order; and whether he is aware that this delay in issuing the order has been used by some farmers as an excuse for withholding potato supplies from the market?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe Order came into force on 12th February, and I am not aware of any delay in its issue, although time was naturally required for its consideration, in consultation with other Departments and trade and producer interests concerned. As regards the latter part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a Question on this subject by my hon. Friend the Member for the Deritend Division (Sir Smedley Crooke) last Thursday.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs it not the case that this Order was promised on 13th December, and is not the delay due to some extent to the over-centralisation of the Department of the right hon. Gentleman? Could he not dissipate some of the decisions in this matter?
§ Mr. MorrisonI do not know to what promise the hon. Member refers, but I understand there were consultations with the trade interests concerned.