HC Deb 17 June 1942 vol 380 cc1523-4
55. Mr. Silkin

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why salmon and carrots have disappeared from the shops since their prices have been controlled?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Mr. Mabane)

I am aware that, shortly after the introduction of control of salmon prices, there was a scarcity of supplies in retail shops in certain parts of the country, but from such information as I can obtain this scarcity was in large measure due to a falling off in home supplies and also in imports from Eire. With control of prices there was an increased demand from a wider range of consumers. Every effort is being made by my Department to ensure that the small supplies available are distributed as equitably as possible. There is no evidence that control of prices has caused carrots to disappear from the shops. A shortage of main crop carrots is to be expected at this time of year as the season is nearly over.

Mr. Silkin

Is the Minister aware that, while it was impossible to obtain salmon in the shops, there was a plentiful supply in the restaurants? Can he explain the effect of price control upon that situation?

Mr. Mabane

I do not think that is wholly true. The shortage in the shops arose during the second week of control, and that coincided with extremely bad weather in Scotland, which restricted the supplies of salmon coming on to the market.

Mr. Silkin

Will the Minister watch the situation and see that there is a reasonable supply available?

Mr. Mabane

It is being watched very carefully, and every effort is being made to see that supplies come to the shops.