asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that, in some parts of the country, there are still surplus stocks of potatoes available: and if he will formulate a scheme to have these potatoes distributed, without delay, at a reasonable price, in the congested areas along the southern and western seaboards, where supplies of locally-grown potatoes are no longer available and where the bread ration is insufficient to supply for them.

I am aware that surplus stocks of potatoes exist in some parts of the country, but I cannot see any sufficient ground for action on the lines suggested by the Deputy. I have no reason to think that the distribution of potatoes through the ordinary trade channels is not carried out effectively.