§ Captain Pluggeasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food how far his Department regard this as a good vegetable year; whether he is aware of the resentment entertained by urban residents at the small quantities and high prices of vegetables; and whether he will take steps to remedy these matters in 1944?
§ Mr. MabaneI am aware of dissatisfaction among the urban population at the present general shortage of vegetables and at the consequent high prices of some of them. The principal green vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli, have been subject to statutory price control since January, but the partial failure of the summer cabbage crop, due to drought and pest damage, has produced conditions of general shortage in which such vegetables as peas and beans have commanded high prices. The question of introducing maximum prices for these vegetables has been carefully examined and my Noble Friend is satisfied that the disadvantages would outweigh the possible advantages. Growers have been advised by the Ministry of Agriculture, after consultation with my Department, as to the appropriate production of vegetables to be aimed at in each county next season; but vegetable yields are greatly influenced by the weather and no guarantee can be given that the supply next year will be sufficient to meet demands.