HC Deb 14 July 1947 vol 440 cc16-7
31. Colonel Ropner

asked the Minister of Food why cargo space on the ships of the British Channel Islands Steamship Company is not being used for bringing potatoes to this country during the present shortage.

Mr. Strachey

Whenever possible, cargo space on the ships of the British Channel Islands Steamship Company has been used to bring potatoes to this country, but the Channel Islands crop is now finished, and so I am glad to say, is the shortage.

Colonel Ropner

Is the Minister aware of the general belief in the Channel Islands that the arrangements made by the agents for the stevedoring and chartering of ships from the Channel Islands were far from satisfactory? As this is a matter which affects other markets, will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries to satisfy himself that everything is in order?

Mr. Strachey

Certainly, Sir, but I would point out that we succeeded in moving the whole crop.

Mr. Beechman

Is the Minister aware that considerable quantities of potatoes are now rotting in the ground in West Cornwall?