§ 54. Mr. D. Jonesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether his attention has been drawn to the shortage of vegetables and potatoes on Teesside, particularly the County Borough of West Hartlepool; and what action he is taking to meet the needs of the districts concerned.
§ Mr. H. NichollsMy right hon. Friend is aware that as a direct result of the prolonged spell of severe weather, there has been a general shortage of vegetables and potatoes, both home-produced and imported. But this has not been especially marked on Tees-side.
I am afraid it will be some time before green vegetable crops recover or before vegetable and potato supplies are normal again. However, my latest information is that there is already an improvement in the movement of potatoes.