asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that a lorry load of lettuce on 4th July and 300 boxes on 7th July were returned from Covent Garden, there being no sale for them; and, in view of the retail prices of lettuce, what steps is he taking to remedy this breakdown in distribution.

I control neither the price nor the marketing of lettuce. I am, of course, concerned at any breakdown in the distribution of lettuce by private enterprise which the hon. Member has, he believes, detected. From the beginning of July, very heavy supplies of lettuce have reached Covent Garden. I am glad to say that these heavy supplies have caused an appreciable drop in retail prices. The average retail price for round lettuce in London during the week ended 28th June was 8d., and this fell to 5d. in the following week, while in the Westminster area prices of 2d. and 3d. have been offered by retailers.

Is the Minister aware that in the case of the returned lorry loads referred to in the Question, the farmers were willing to agree to a price of one penny a lettuce; and is he not also aware that, whether this comes within his purview or not, every time he pokes his nose into the distribution of food there is the inevitable result of shortages and increased prices?

I was endeavouring to explain to the hon. Member—

The right hon. Gentleman cannot.

I know, but I was endeavouring to explain that if there is anything wrong here it is an example of the effects of non-interference with the ordinary channels of trade.