§ 30. Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Food to explain why, since the price of new potatoes has been controlled at 9d. per lb., they are no longer to be obtained in greengrocers' shops.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe maximum prices prescribed were agreed with the trade as being a reasonable level for this period of the year. Owing to the season being late in the supplying countries, the supplies available are at present very small.
§ Mr. PiratinIs the House to understand from the hon. Lady's reply that the Minister is satisfied that there is no under-the-counter trading going on?
§ Dr. SummerskillMy right hon. Friend is never satisfied, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the supply of these potatoes is very limited, and the demand very great.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltIs the hon. Lady aware that, while a shortage exists in this country, thousands of tons of potatoes are being destroyed in the United States?
§ Dr. SummerskillPerhaps the hon. Gentleman is not aware that many of those potatoes are in such a condition that we would not be prepared to import them into this country.