§ 27. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will make a statement on the prospects in respect to the supply of green vegetables in the late spring.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe long spell of mild weather before Christmas brought on many crops more rapidly than usual. The recent frost has destroyed some standing crops in exposed situations and checked others severely. The combination of these factors may mean that supplies of green vegetables in the late spring will be smaller than they would otherwise have been. It is, however, too early to make any firm estimate, since weather conditions in the next weeks will affect the rate and extent of recovery of the damaged crops and the growth of the rest.
§ Mr. DoddsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the trade is now predicting a period of high-priced scarcity, and in view of the importance of the matter, will he give an assurance that in the event of a shortage he will not use his influence to prevent a sufficient quantity being imported to keep the prices down to a reasonable level?
§ Sir T. DugdaleNaturally I cannot give any assurance as to what the climate will be during the next few weeks, but I am informed that there is no need for undue pessimism as long as the weather is favourable.