§ 32. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the vegetable prospects during the next few months; and what action is contemplated by his Department to ensure reasonable supplies.
§ Mr. John HareThe exceptionally dry summer has reduced the yields of some vegetable crops, and home-grown supplies of root crops and greens will be below average. Vegetables should, however, be in reasonable supply during the next two months, and if the improvement which has followed the recent rains continues there should be better prospects for cauliflowers and spring greens in the new year.
§ Mr. DoddsIn view of the Minister's rather hopeful statement, may the housewife take it that during the next few months the price of vegetables will not rise unduly high?
§ Mr. HareIt would be very hard for me to make a forecast on that. What I have said is perfectly clear. I have said that there should be reasonable supplies, though I have indicated that they are not as good as they were last year. I think my Answer is very clear.