§ 35. Mr. Langford-Holtasked the Minister of Food how many tons of home-grown potatoes have been bought by his Department and resold to the producer at a cheaper price.
§ The Minister of Food (Mr. Strachey)Up to 26th March, 78,952 tons of potatoes bought from growers under the guarantee had been sold back to them at the cheaper stockfeed price.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltCan the right hon. Gentleman say what was the financial outcome of this transaction?
§ Mr. StracheyWe can hardly separate that from the general sale of surplus potatoes for stockfeed, of which I have already given the House the figures.
§ Mr. DyeCan my right hon. Friend say whether it is part of the guarantee given to the growers that the Ministry will purchase all their potatoes and leave none on their hands?
§ Mr. StracheyYes. Of course, it would be the most outrageous breach of the guarantee if we did not fulfil it by purchasing these potatoes.
§ Mr. CollinsCan my right hon. Friend say whether the tonnage is less than 1 per cent. of the total crop?
§ Mr. StracheyIf my arithmetic serves me aright, that is the case.