§ 63. Mr. Hunterasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, retail prices of potatoes for the years, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954 and 1955; and, in view of the present high price of potatoes, which affects the cost of living of many families, and which is the subject of complaints by proprietors of shops selling fried fish and chips, if he will take steps to introduce price control of potatoes this coming winter.
§ Mr. GodberFrom 1951 to the end of July, 1955, when prices were decontrolled the maximum retail prices for main crop potatoes were 2d. to 3½ per lb. according to district and variety. Potato prices are high this season as a result of the poor home crop but the Government do not propose to introduce price control. Such a step would have the effect of discouraging the imports we need to supplement home supplies.