Mr. G. Whiteasked the Minister of Food if he can make any statement with regard to the present prospects of estab- 999W lishing and maintaining regular supplies of potatoes.
§ Colonel LlewellinSevere weather continues to restrict the loading of potatoes by growers, to delay transport, and to prevent the maintenance of stocks in towns. I am taking all possible steps to overcome these difficulties. Supplies are now more evenly apportioned between consuming centres, but, while present conditions last, will unfortunately not satisfy the whole of current demand.
§ Mr. E. J. Williamsasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that potatoes are in short supply in the mid-Glamorgan area and that in January to date 16 tons have been supplied as compared with 197 tons for the same period last year; and what action he proposes, to take to increase deliveries in this district.
§ Colonel LlewellinI am aware that mid-Glamorgan is short of potatoes. Deliveries to that area have, I am informed amounted to some 129 tons since 1st January. I have already removed as from 15th January the prohibition on the consignment by traders of potatoes of certain classes from the Eastern counties to South Wales and, as soon as conditions permit, my Department will, on its own account, send forward further supplies to this area.