§ 56. Sir Ronald Rossasked the Minister of Food why the large supplies of ware potatoes available in Northern Ireland were not used to prevent the recent shortage in London; and why was there a prohibition on their shipment after 24th June.
§ Mr. StracheyI think that the hon. Member has been misinformed. There is no prohibition on shipping. We have been and are still importing every available ware potato from Northern Ireland this year. These supplies are normally used in Lancashire, Wales and the South-West of England, but to ease the shortage, 2,000 tons were brought to London via Bristol last week, and a further 1,000 tons arrived direct by sea on Monday.
§ Sir R. RossIs the Minister aware that local farmers have been protesting that their potatoes were not reaching London, which they were wishing to assist at the time? Is he further aware that they are under the impression that he cannot ship after the 24th? Is that correct?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, Sir, it never was correct. There was never the slightest prohibition on shipping after the 24th, but we are afraid that on July 5th the last ware potato will have been shipped.