§ 25. Mr. GLOSSOPasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Potato Marketing Board have recently made regulations prohibiting the sale of potatoes over 1 lb. weight; that this regulation is causing resentment amongst growers in South-west Yorkshire; and whether he will make representations to the Potato Marketing Board for the withdrawal of the regulation?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Elliot)I am aware of the regulation of the Potato Marketing Board to which my hon. Friend refers. As regards the latter part of the question, my hon. Friend will appreciate that the matter is one beween the board and their constituents in which it would be undesirable for me to intervene.
§ Mr. GLOSSOPIs my right hon. Friend aware that potatoes such as these, which are ideal for the chipping trade, cannot be sold because they are over 1 lb. in weight, and does he not think that in the interests of the producers and the fish and chip fryers these potatoes should be allowed on the market?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThe representation in question seems a very suitable one to make to the Potato Marketing Board.
§ 33. Colonel ROPNERasked the Minister of Agriculture whether any consideration has been given to the possibility of absorbing surplus potatoes in this country by a process of drying; and whether, in view of the increasing need for dealing with the surplus, he will arrange that this matter is given full investigation at an early date?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThe problem of finding profitable uses for surplus potatoes in this country is receiving the active consideration of the Potato Marketing Board, who have been investigating the possibilities of the industrial utilisation of potatoes and of drying potatoes for stock feed. I understand that the Board have recently concluded an agreement with a company for the supply of potatoes for use, dried, as a constituent of a balanced cattle food.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs it not the case that in France, Germany and America, surplus potatoes are used for distilling power alcohol?