HC Deb 22 February 1934 vol 286 c502
41. Major CARVER

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the large amount of potatoes left over from last year's crop; and, in view of the low price obtaining for these, if he is prepared to regulate the import of foreign new potatoes, either by increased duty or a quantitative agreement with exporting countries?

45. Mr. LOUIS SMITH

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the surplus of last year's potatoes now in this country for which no market will be obtainable; and whether, in view of this fact, he will consider decreasing materially the quota of Spanish and other foreign new potatoes which will shortly be arriving in this country?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Elliot)

Supplies of home-grown potatoes at the present time are ample, but it is too early to say what quantity is likely to be left over at the end of the consuming season. Any request for an increase in the Customs duty on potatoes is a matter for the Import Duties Advisory Committee in the first instance. Proposals for the regulation of imports of new potatoes during the coming season will shortly be communicated to the exporting countries concerned.

Mr. C. WILLIAMS

Can the Minister say when we may expect these communications?

Mr. ELLIOT

I am afraid I could not undertake to do so.

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