§ 55. Sir R. Rossasked the Minister of Food whether his regulations permit those who grow potatoes on allotments or their own land or gardens to send them as gifts to friends and relations.
§ Mr. StracheyI am grateful to the hon. Member for drawing my attention to this matter. The Order as drawn, while it does not prohibit such gifts, seeks to limit them unduly. I shall amend the Order permitting genuine gifts at any rate up to a reasonable amount.
§ Sir R. RossDoes that apply to the whole of the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. StracheyYes, Sir.
§ 67. Mr. Butcherasked the Minister of Food whether he will give an assurance that potato rations can be maintained at the present scale until the end of May, 1948.
§ Mr. StracheyI cannot give assurances until I have received the result of the census of potato stocks and until we know what imports we can secure.
§ Mr. ButcherWill the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he will move as speedily as possible in this matter?
§ Mr. StracheyYes, Sir, but we may not know what imports we can secure for some considerable time.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyHow long?
§ Mr. StracheyQuite possibly not until next year.