§ Mr. Holdsworthasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that in their bulletin of 25th March the Potato Marketing Board announced that as from that date they would not sell on the home ware-market any of the potatoes they purchased for March, April or May delivery until there is a marked improvement in potato prices throughout the country; whether the Board has obtained authority to withhold ware potatoes from the market for the purpose of forcing up prices; and whether he will consider referring this matter to the appropriate consumers' committee in the interest of the public?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI am aware of the statement referred to. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I have given to-day to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Cardiff South (Captain A. Evans). With regard to the third part of the question, the Consumers' Committee are charged with the standing duty of considering and reporting on the766W effect of the scheme on consumers generally, and they are also required to consider and report on any complaints which may be made direct to them, but I have no power formally to refer a matter to the committee for consideration.