§ 30. Major CARVERasked the Minister of Agriculture if he can now make any further statement as to the progress of the potato marketing scheme?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI understand that the Potato Marketing Board have been completing their organisation, and that they are now conducting a census of stocks held by registered producers to assist them in the administration of the scheme. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have appointed two members of the board, as provided by the scheme.
§ Major CARVERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the large amount of potatoes left from the old crop, which are practically unsaleable even at as low a price as 35s. per ton; and will he, therefore, expedite any fresh proposals he is going to suggest.
§ Mr. ELLIOT: I think the progress of the Potato Marketing Board is primarily a matter for the board itself. I am aware of the position, and I am anxious to cooperate with the board in any way that I can.
§ Major CARVERMay I ask whether he is going to regulate the supplies of new potatoes coming into this country, which are affecting the old crop of potatoes?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI do not think that arises out of the question.
§ 36. Colonel ROPNERasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the delay in making an announcement with regard to the limitation of early-type potatoes from abroad is having an adverse effect upon British farmers interested in the growing of such crops; and if he is now in a position to make a statement of his intentions with regard to this matter?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am aware of the desirability of an early announcement, which I hope to be in a position to make early next week.
§ Major CARVERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that everybody is buying new potatoes now; and, therefore, will he see his way to bring in these regulations very shortly?
§ Sir ERNEST SHEPPERSONIn view of the overloaded state of the British market, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of making an early announcement in order to restore confidence?