§ Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the complaints now being made by consumers of potatoes regarding the recent increase in potato prices; whether he has made inquiries into the matter; and whether he is satisfied that the increase in prices is justified?
Mr. Morrison:No report has been received from the Consumers' Committee that any complaints have been made by the consumers regarding the recent increase in potato prices. At wholesale markets prices have on the whole been substantially lower this year than in the corresponding periods of the last two years, and although a rise has taken place since the commencement of the present month, the level reached is still below that in the corresponding week in 1937. Prices have been affected by several factors, notably by weather conditions, which have retarded the newly-planted crops and stimulated demand. The Potato Marketing Board reduced the size of the riddle as from 13th May, and they have also permitted the sale of seconds. The Market Supply Committee have also had the situation under close review, and on their recommendation the 592W import quota of old crop potatoes for May has twice been raised and now stands at 12,000 tons for the month.