§ Mr. Denvilleasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what price the farmer is paid for A potatoes and B potatoes, respectively, and what the wholesaler is allowed for their distribution; also what was the price of beef dripping before Government control, and since?
896W
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe prices prescribed for potatoes are maximum prices and not fixed prices. Maximum prices to the grower for Grade A potatoes vary between 115s. and 90s., and for Grade B potatoes between 95s. and 70s. per ton, according to the area of production. Prices charged by wholesalers for potatoes delivered to retailers may exceed these prices by a maximum of 25s. a ton, but it does not follow that this increase is realised by wholesalers in all cases.
As regards the last part of the question, the price of beef dripping is governed by the Animal Oils and Fats (Provisional Control) Order of the 4th September, which provides that sales must not be made at prices exceeding the average price ruling during the seven days preceding the date of the Order. These prices were from 30s. to 34s. per cwt. delivered to users.