HC Deb 21 August 1940 vol 364 c1320W
Colonel Carver

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that prices of potatoes last year in August and September were forced down to an uneconomic level and that the present 20 per cent. increase is not sufficient to pay the rise in wages which have risen from 35s. 6d. to 48s. a week; and whether, in view of these facts, he will consider fixing a maximum price of at least £7 a ton?

Mr. Boothby

Growers' prices for potatoes were somewhat below the average in August last year, but there was a general improvement in September. The prices in the present Order are not based on markets where prices were uneconomic, but on a fair average.