§ Mr. W. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the recent increase in vegetable prices in Scotland: what estimates he had previously made of the likelihood of such increases because of ruined crops; and if he will introduce legislation to enable him to control the retail prices of these commodities in order to mitigate the hardships caused to pensioners and others.
§ Mr. MaclayI am aware of the increase in prices. Adverse weather conditions during the growing season of 1961 resulted in below average yields of most vegetables, and the position was further aggravated by the severe winter which caused heavier than usual wastage of root crops in store. Moreover, crops which are harvested during the winter—winter cabbage, leeks and Brussels sprouts—made very little growth during this period and frost damage was considerable. I do not intend to introduce legislation to control retail prices.