§ 68. Lieutenant Butcherasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the consumption of potatoes is increasing as a result of the publicity campaign; and what further steps he will take to encourage the consumption of this valuable home-produced food?
§ Mr. MabaneYes, Sir. Investigations have shown that retail sales in Great Britain in September and October this year were substantially greater than in the corresponding months of 1941. In addition to the extensive publicity campaign the subsidy has been increased so as to enable the better classes of potatoes to be sold at the same price as the less good, namely, 1d. per lb. More fat has been allotted to fish fryers so as to enable them to sell more fried potatoes. Steps are also being taken to increase the use of potatoes in manufactured foods and to encourage the consumption of more potatoes in catering establishments.
§ Mr. Evelyn WalkdenIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, while his Department is doing a great deal to popularise the use of potatoes, his recipe book called "Potato Pete" is actually advocating the excessive use of fuel in the cooking or preparation of potatoes as a wholesome meal?
§ Mr. MabaneI think that if my hon. Friend will try some of the recipes himself, he will see that they can be cooked on a very slow flame.
§ Mr. WalkdenThe amount of fuel used is excessive.