§ 12. Mr. Liptonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the effect of recent imports on potato prices.
§ Mr. GodberAlthough prices have risen slightly during the last three weeks, my right hon. Friend is confident that imports have had the effect of limiting the increase. Prices generally have steadied during the past few days.
§ Mr. LiptonIs the Minister aware that the humble "spud" is becoming a luxury food, and that in Cheshire, for example, potatoes are being cut out of school meals and the wretched children are being given spaghetti instead? How long is this clearly unsatisfactory state of affairs to be allowed to continue?
§ Mr. GodberConditions at the present time, of course, are unusual in that there has been a very short crop in this country and, indeed, on the Continent as well. As to whether the schoolchildren the hon. Gentleman mentions are any unhappier because they are getting these alternative commodities, I do not know. As soon as the new crop comes in, of course, matters will be entirely different.