§ 66. Mr. Coldrickasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that during the late spring potato growers withheld stored potatoes from the Potato Board in order to secure higher prices; that the Board is now compelled to buy these potatoes at the guaranteed price in a time of plenty; and if he will introduce legislation to give powers to the Board to requisition potatoes in times of scarcity.
§ Mr. NugentMy right hon. Friend is aware that a small number of growers kept potatoes for sale until late in the season and that, owing to a change in market conditions, they have now offered them to the Potato Marketing Board under the terms of the guarantee arrangements. These arrangements are intended to provide a minimum return to producers. I see no reason to interfere with the free market by extending the powers of the Board to include a power to requisition potatoes.