§ 70. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that 40 per cent. of last year's potato crop that is still in the clamps is rapidly deteriorating owing to mild weather; and what steps is he taking to ensure there will not be an end of season shortage of potatoes.
§ Dr. SummerskillWe have purchased 500,000 tons of long-keeping varieties as a farm reserve for delivery in May and June. This is about as much as can be obtained. We do not yet know either the extent of deterioration or when the new crop will come in.