First as to potatoes. During the six weeks from 1st February to 14th March, the period of severe weather, arrivals of potatoes at the main London railheads, for example, averaged 53 per cent. of the arrivals in the same period of 1946, and were only 40 per cent. of requirements during the week referred to in the Question. The shortage was equally severe in many other areas, as the potatoes could not be got out of the clamps. Fortunately, the position is now improving rapidly, and distribution should be approacing normal by the end of this week.

Second, as to green vegetables. Here, too, the shortage has been acute. It is estimated that in some recent weeks supplies available for distribution have been less than one-tenth of normal. The supply position is now improving but not so rapidly as in the case of potatoes. I have most anxiously considered the re-imposition of price controls to green vegetables. If it were possible to improvise rapidly a full system of price control and rationing I should not hesitate to do so. But, I have most reluctantly come to the conclusion that price control without rationing might, in present conditions of supply, do more harm than, good. I fear very much that the chance of working class households to obtain their fair share of supplies would not in practice be greatly increased, since so much would inevitably disappear under the counter. Worse, the total supply available, which is at last increasing appreciably, would, I am convinced, be sharply reduced. In particular, imports would be largely cut off.

I have accordingly decided to concentrate upon increasing supplies, and have arranged for an open general licence for the import of all green vegetables from now until 15th June next.

The case of root vegetables is different. I am advised that home supplies should now be adequate to demand and, unless prices return rapidly to a reasonable level, I shall either arrange for an open general licence for imports, or if this appears to be the more efficacious method, shall re-impose price control on root vegetables.