HC Deb 03 March 1947 vol 434 cc20-1
44. Mr. Orbach

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the large increases in the prices of vegetables, he will reintroduce price controls for these foods.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Dr. Edith Summer-skill)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend on 17th February to the hon. Member for Brentford and Chiswick (Mr. F. Noel-Baker), a copy of which I am sending him.

Mr. Baldwin

Is the Minister aware that growers of vegetables have lost hundreds of thousands of pounds in the last few weeks, owing to the severe weather; and does he think it fair that when prices of vegetables rise, there should be an attempt made to control them?

Dr. Summerskill

I think that the hon. Gentleman will agree with me that vegetables have been limited during the cold weather, and that it would be fair to re-impose control if the amounts do not increase when conditions improve.

Mr. Baldwin

Will the hon Lady also consider controlling prices when the time comes for vegetables to be dumped into this country?