HC Deb 10 March 1947 vol 434 c946
70. Mr. John Morrison

asked the Minister of Food what arrangements he has made with wholesalers for controlling potato sales till the new crop.

Dr. Summerskill

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Holland with Boston (Mr. Butcher) on 10th February. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of that reply, together with the statements referred to therein.

Mr. Morrison

Is the hon. Lady still certain that it will not be necessary to ration potatoes?

Dr. Summerskill

It is very difficult to say at the moment, because we cannot see yet what the condition of the crop will be. I understand that the hon. Member was referring to the Ouestion, which is concerned with the voluntary reduction in distribution by the wholesalers. I think it is difficult at the moment to say what is the condition of the potatoes in the clamps.