asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that exorbitant prices are being demanded for vegetable seeds for next season's crop; and what steps are being taken to ensure adequate supplies at reasonable prices for allotment holders and others?

Now that many of our normal sources of supply of vegetable seeds are cut off, some increase in price is inevitable, but I am keeping the matter under close review and, up to the present, I have no evidence that the trade generally are charging unreasonably high prices. A system of strict supervision of prices, including those of packet seed, is being instituted for the forthcoming season.

Is the Minister satisfied that allotment holders will get an ample supply of seeds at reasonable prices?

Yes, Sir, if they take advantage of facilities that exist. They should apply to their allotment society, or through the National Allotmentholders' Society.

Seeing that a shortage of supply in other directions has not meant increases in price, why should a shortage of seeds be followed by an increase in price?

Viscountess Astor:

Human nature.

We used to draw seeds from near sources like Holland and France, but now we have to get them from distant sources like Australia and New Zealand.

Could not any allotment holder tell the Minister that that reason is absurd?

Why are these facilities confined to allotment holders who are members of allotment associations? What about the large number who are not members?

They ought to join.

They may have gardens and not be recognised as allotment holders.