§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that while the working classes and others are reduced to potatoless days, the German prisoners of war at Handforth, Cheshire, whether at work or play, are getting their full ration of potatoes; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?
Captain BATHURSTIn view of the diminishing supplies of popatoes, the Food Controller is conferring with the War Office with a view to the substitution of some other article or articles for the potato ration allowed to prisoners of war.
§ Mr. T. DAVIESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Henry William Frith, greengrocer, who was at Ipswich fined £10 for selling a small quantity of potatoes at a price beyond the maximum fixed; whether he has made inquiries in the case of a certain firm of potato growers, particulars of which have been sent to him, offering to sell potatoes at £4 per ton beyond the maximum price and whether he has taken steps with a view to prosecution in that case?
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Captain BATHURSTI understand that Mr. Henry William Frith, of Bram-ford Road, Ipswich, has been convicted on two charges relating to different dates, and fined £5 in each case for contravening the Potatoes, 1916, Main Crop (Prices) Order (No. 2) 1917, by selling potatoes at a price exceeding that permitted by the Order. I regret that I am unable to trace the specific complaint referred to in the second part of the question.
Sir H. DALZIELasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the co-operative societies of Salehead, Sinclairtown, Dysart, and Burntisland, representing over 8,000 households, have been without a supply of potatoes for over four weeks; and whether, in view of the fact that they can only make purchases from farmers at from £12 to 14 per ton and that this is believed to be above the price authorised by the Food Controller, he will state what action he proposes to take in the matter?
Captain BATHURSTI am not aware of the circumstances mentioned in the first part of the right hon. Gentleman's question, but it is doubtless the case that many potato dealers and retailers have recently been unable to obtain supplies of potatoes. If definite evidence is furnished that farmers have sold or offered to sell potatoes at a price exceeding that permitted by the Food Controller's Orders, action will be taken.