§ Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the complaints among Scottish potato-growers that ware potatoes have been brought from England to Scotland while Scottish supplies are being allowed to lie in pits, many of which are showing signs of deterioration, which unless the potatoes are moved at an early date will cause serious loss; and whether he will consider disposing each month of a proportion of the Scottish supplies held by the Ministry, bringing only the balance required from England?
§ Mr. MabaneI am not aware of any general complaint by Scottish potato growers that ware potatoes are being brought from England to Scotland to the detriment of the marketing of Scottish stocks. Ware stocks in Scotland are short of estimated requirements to the end of the season and a part of the total weekly requirements is, therefore, being supplied from England. The directions prohibiting the sale by growers in Scotland of certain long-keeping varieties have now been withdrawn, and growers may resume the marketing of any stocks of these varieties which have not been sold to my Department. This will facilitate the removal of stocks remaining in the hands of growers.