HC Deb 21 April 1947 vol 436 cc615-6
94. Mr. Dumpleton

asked the Minister of Food whether he has considered the petition sent to him by 600 housewives in Welwyn Garden City, asking for the reimposition of price control of green vegetables; and what answer he proposes to make.

Dr. Summerskill

Yes, Sir. A reply to the petition to which my hon. Friend refers was sent on 16th April and I am arranging for a copy to be supplied to him.

Mr. Dumpleton

Would my hon. Friend say whether or not she agrees that the current prices of green vegetables are a scandal? Is it not time that something was done to put them under price control again?

Dr. Summerskill

The answer will reach my hon. Friend tonight, and if he studies it he will find that it gives full details.

Mr. Sparks

Will the reply be favourable to the request for the reimposition of price control, because this is an important matter? Is it not time that some steps were taken to deal with it?

Dr. Summerskill

I think my hon. Friend will find that the answer is along the lines of the statement which my right hon. Friend made in the House recently.

Captain Crookshank

The answer to the question should be very simple. It asks for the reimposition of price control, and surely the answer is either "Yes" or "No."

Dr. Summerskill

The answer is "No."