§ 53. Miss Colmanasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the continuing high retail prices of vegetables, particularly cabbages, cauliflowers and turnips, he will re-impose price control.
§ Dr. SummerskillI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 24th March to the hon. Member for North Hendon (Mrs. Ayrton Gould), a copy of which I am sending her.
§ Mr. TolleyThis is of very urgent national importance, and will not the Minister look into it and do something about it?
§ Dr. SummerskillWe fully realise the importance of this, but I would remind my hon. Friend that my right hon. Friend the Minister gave a detailed reply on Monday.
§ 55. Mr. A. Edward Daviesasked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the exorbitant prices which are being charged for essential vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, sprouts, cabbages and cauliflowers; and whether he will take immediate action to reduce prices and control these necessary foodstuffs.
§ Dr. SummerskillI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 24th March to the hon Member for North Hendon (Mrs. Ayrton Gould), a copy of which I am sending him.
§ Mr. DaviesDoes the Minister appreciate that, in spite of the reply of 24th March, we are still dissatisfied; that the prices of green vegetables are very unsatisfactory, and that turnips are being priced at 1s. 4d. each? What tonnage of green vegetables does she expect will come into the country before 15th June under the open licence system; and will this deal with the problem effectively?
§ Dr. SummerskillI think my right hon. Friend indicated on Monday that he was giving this his closest attention.
Mr. BeeehmanWill the Minister bear in mind that the growers of early cauliflowers in this country have sustained tragic and phenomenal losses?