§ 60. Mr. D. Marshallasked the Minister of Food what steps he is taking, in view of the fact that the importation of Italian broccoli has recommenced, to clear the Cornish broccoli crop at the earliest moment, as delay in clearing this broccoli will result in a lowering of the potato yield.
§ Dr. SummerskillImports of Italian broccoli form only a minor part—less than 10 per cent.—of our total supplies. We have no reason to expect that the period of marketing of Cornish broccoli will be abnormal this year.
§ Mr. MarshallHas not the Minister received representations upon this matter from the N.F.U.?
§ Dr. SummerskillNo, Sir. We have sent special investigators down to the hon. Gentleman's Division to confirm what he has stated.
§ Mr. BeechmanWill the hon. Lady bear in mind that people in Cornwall were officially encouraged to produce a large crop, that there is a fine crop this month, and that the Italians have crates and other packages which the home growers cannot get?
§ Dr. SummerskillThe hon. and learned Gentleman is speaking to a different point altogether. This has to do with the planting of new potatoes.