asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the excessive prices being charged for Jersey potatoes, any action is being taken to safeguard the interests of the consumers?

Lieut.-Colonel Sir A. LAMBERT WARD (Vice-Chamberlain of the Household):

I have been asked to reply. Prices of Jersey potatoes last week fell substantially. There was a rise at the end of the week, but prices are still below those ruling during the week ended 19th June. The market situation, which is affected by the delayed maturity of the crop due to adverse weather conditions in this and other countries, is being closely watched by the Market Supply Committee.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman give the House any explanation why the price of Jersey potatoes increased from £13 per ton in 1933 and £14 in 1934 to £25 in 1935?

I will ask my right hon. Friend to communicate with the hon. Gentleman.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that Cornish potatoes are much better value for money every time?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the price of potatoes in the Tees-side area rose to £8 per ton on 1st June, 1935; and whether he will state the reason given by the Tees-side Wholesale Potato Merchants' Board for fixing the price at this high level?

My right hon. Friend has no knowledge of sales of old crop potatoes at the price referred to in the question. Reports, however, indicate that owing to the severe frosts in the third week in May the new potato crop in this country was delayed by some three to four weeks, and this was reflected in the demand for old crop potatoes, wholesale prices for which to retailers in the Tees-side area at the beginning of June varied from £6 10s. to £7 10s. per ton, and have since fallen. My right hon. Friend has no information which would enable him to answer the second part of the question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ascertain what portion of the increased price will be secured by the actual producer?

I will certainly convey that question to my right hon. Friend.