HC Deb 31 March 1947 vol 435 cc1644-5
26. Mr. Spence

asked the Minister of Food what estimated damage has been done by frost to potatoes stored in clamps in Scotland.

Mr. Strachey

It is a little early to say, but the damage is not expected to be more than 5 per cent.

Mr. Spence

is the Minister aware that in Scotland the frost came before the snow, and that the snow has gone some 2½ feet into the ground; and will he keep this matter urgently before him?

Mr. Strachey

Certainly.

28. Mr. King

asked the Minister of Food what steps he is taking to ensure a fair distribution of such potatoes as exist in the Falmouth area, and whether he is satisfied that a fair proportion is going to the poorer householder.

Mr. Strachey

At this time of the year. Falmouth is mainly dependent on potatoes from Northern Ireland, and a ship from there was held up in the bad weather; she has now arrived. My Department allocates these potatoes to wholesalers in proportion to their requirements. All householders should be able to afford the present retail prices, which average 7½d. for 7 lb.

Mr. King

Has the Minister no control over the methods of sales in shops, as between various types of people?

Mr. Strachey

No, Sir. It is impossible to have such control over unrationed commodities.

Sir Ronald Ross

Is not a reduction in the cross-channel services from Northern Ireland a contributory factor?

Mr. Strachey

Not that I am aware of. The potatoes arrive in potato boats and not in mail boats.