§ 9. Mr. Liptonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements he is making for adequate supplies of potatoes during the winter months at lower prices.
§ Mr. John HareArrangements have been made to allow potatoes to be imported forthwith so as to give growers and traders full opportunity to meet the needs of the market as they arise. I hope this action will have a steadying effect on prices.
§ Mr. LiptonIs the right hon. Gentleman admitting that potato prices are at present far too high, and higher than they have ever been at this time of the year? To what extent does he want to reduce the price of what is becoming a luxury fruit?
§ Mr. HareI think the hon. Gentleman is well aware that we have a poor crop of potatoes this year, and because of that we have allowed imports at least a month earlier than ever before.
§ Mr. WilleyWill the right hon. Gentleman look carefully into this matter, because the present retail prices are a penny a lb. more than they were last year, when they were the highest prices ever? Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that, if the guarantees are to be continued, we must pay close regard to the retail price and that we must have stability also in retail prices?
§ Mr. HareYes, Sir, but if the hon. Gentleman could arrange the weather he might get a proper answer.