§ 30. Mr. Butcherasked the Minister of Food if he will give further information as to the manner in which it is proposed to restrict the sale and consumption of potatoes.
§ Mr. StracheyMy Department controls the disposal of the greater part of the remaining stocks of potatoes and will release them so as to keep the rate of distribution at last year's figures. All sections of the trade have agreed to cooperate.I am sending to the hon. Member copies of the statements which have been sent to the growers and the trade.
§ Mr. ButcherCan the Minister explain why it was necessary to introduce bread rationing, whereas potatoes, which are an equivalent of bread, are likely to be restricted in this arbitrary manner, which will greatly hamper the ordinary housewife?
§ Mr. StracheyThe two questions are very different. We produce almost the entire supply of potatoes. We are not dependent upon imports except to a very small degree. The problems are very different.
Air-Commodore-HarveyDoes the right hon. Gentleman still agree that he will not ration potatoes this season?
§ Mr. StracheyYes, Sir.