asked the Minister of Food what estimated damage has been done by frost to potatoes stored in clamps in Scotland.

It is a little early to say, but the damage is not expected to be more than 5 per cent.

is the Minister aware that in Scotland the frost came before the snow, and that the snow has gone some 2½ feet into the ground; and will he keep this matter urgently before him?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Food what steps he is taking to ensure a fair distribution of such potatoes as exist in the Falmouth area, and whether he is satisfied that a fair proportion is going to the poorer householder.

At this time of the year. Falmouth is mainly dependent on potatoes from Northern Ireland, and a ship from there was held up in the bad weather; she has now arrived. My Department allocates these potatoes to wholesalers in proportion to their requirements. All householders should be able to afford the present retail prices, which average 7½d. for 7 lb.

Has the Minister no control over the methods of sales in shops, as between various types of people?

No, Sir. It is impossible to have such control over unrationed commodities.

Is not a reduction in the cross-channel services from Northern Ireland a contributory factor?

Not that I am aware of. The potatoes arrive in potato boats and not in mail boats.