asked the Minister of Food what steps are being taken to remedy the shortage of potatoes in West Ham.

In order to meet the temporary shortage which has been caused by weather damage to the old crop and the lateness of the new, my Department is bringing to London the remaining supplies of old potatoes available in the Eastern Counties and Scotland and a quantity from Northern Ireland and Eire. In addition the Ministry is distributing Jersey new potatoes. West Ham will receive its fair share from these sources. Lifting of the new crop is now beginning and I hope that, in about a week, there will be a noticeable improvement in supply.