asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether there is a sufficient supply of cabbage in the country to meet the needs of the people; and the reasons for the apparent scarcity of cabbage and other fresh vegetables.

Supplies of cabbage are in the normal way seasonally low about this time of year and the position has also been affected this year by the prolonged cold weather and late growth. There are, however, adequate supplies of other vegetables such as carrots, parsnips and peas.

Is the Minister aware that one of the main causes of the scarcity of cabbage is the pest of pigeons?

I would say they have added their quota to the difficulties.

I do not know how they are to be dealt with, but there should be some arrangement.