§ Mr. Manderasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the present position with regard to the fixing of minimum prices for potatoes in the West Midland area; whether he is aware that the prices fixed by the Potato Marketing Board are not being obtained or adhered to even by authorised potato merchants, and that there are large numbers of unauthorised merchants also selling potatoes below the rates fixed; and whether, in the interests of poor consumers, he will consider the abandonment of the scheme, as has been done in other parts of the country?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI am informed by the Potato Marketing Board that, under the Market Plans scheme sponsored by them, the authorised merchants in the West Midland area have set up a committee for the purpose of recommending, from time to time, minimum prices, wholesaler to retailer, for potatoes sold by the authorised merchants in the area. The board are not aware that unautho-2276W rised merchants are selling potatoes at less than the minimum prices, As to the last part of the question, the operation of these plans is a matter for the board and the merchants concerned.