§ 66. Mr. E. Evansasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the Eastern Counties Wholesale Fruit Merchants' Association has issued a notice to its wholesaler members instructing them not to sell potatoes at less than the maximum wholesale price fixed by him; and as this restricts competitive prices under the ceiling of the maximum price if he will immediately lower the maximum price in order that consumers may be protected from this restrictive practice.
§ Mr. StracheyI am aware that such a notice has been issued. The relevant order allows for competition within the limits imposed by fixed growers' prices on the one hand and maximum wholesale prices on the other, and I hope that, whenever possible, prices below the maximum wholesale prices will be charged and the benefit passed to the consumer.140W Maximum wholesale prices will be reduced twice a week until the end of June and weekly in July.