§ Colonel WEIGALLasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that bakers in various parts of the country have for the last two months been purchasing potatoes at market prices for use in bread, and if he will explain the reason for the decision that these should now be supplied by the State at £3 10s. per ton; and whether the subsidy of at least £4 per ton has been granted on the advice of those responsible to the Food Controller for the supply and distribution of potatoes?
§ Mr. CLYNESI am aware that bakers in various parts of the country have for the308W last two months been purchasing potatoes at market prices for use in bread, but the number of bakers now using potatoes is relatively small, and mainly consists of those bakers who have always used a small percentage of potatoes as a bread improver. The subsidised price was fixed on the advice of those responsible for the supply and distribution of bread. The money expended on potatoes is more than counterbalanced by the saving effected on the bread subsidy, to say nothing of tonnage considerations and the relief of American exchange.