§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Government have been buying up surplus supplies of potatoes and giving as much as £32 per truck load, which is at least £10 more than the average price; if he is aware that the Newton Abbot Board of Guardians released their contractor from his contract to supply pota- 457W toes because he was unable to fulfil it at the price quoted on account of the Government paying more per truck load of potatoes than the average price; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThe difficult problems arising out of the delay in raising the potato crop and the serious injury to the crop by disease in many districts are receiving constant and anxious attention. I will inquire into the matters referred to in the question.