§ 18. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that two trucks numbered 164637 and 512945 ex Upwell, from J. N. Hartley, Fence's Farm, Stow Bridge, King's Lynn, contained on arrival at Bishopsgate a large proportion of potatoes unfit for human consumption, particulars of which have been sent to him; and if he will take steps to ensure that guaranteed prices carry some guarantee of quality, so that the taxpayer is not called upon to pay for or the merchant to handle such potatoes, a sample of which is being sent him.
§ Mr. F. WilleyThere is no evidence that these potatoes were unsound when they arrived at Bishopsgate. The wholesaler who bought them knew that any complaints must be made within 36 hours of notification of arrival at the railway station and before removal from the station. But no complaint was made about the first truck until six days after arrival, and during that time, which included a spell of warm weather, the potatoes had been left in a covered box wagon. No complaint was made about the second truck until after the potatoes had been removed from the station.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs the Minister aware that these potatoes were unfit for sale, that greengrocers are receiving circulars asking them to ask customers to take the rough with the smooth? Is he further aware that the Ministry of Food will not deal over the telephone, and that all this Government control is one of the main reasons for the bad quality and the high price of foodstuffs?
§ Mr. WilleyNo, Sir. In requiring complaints to be made within 36 hours the Ministry are only following normal trade practice.