43. Mr. HASLAMasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the order issued by the Potato Marketing Board imposes on Lincolnshire, Norfolk, the Isle of Ely, and the Soke of Peterborough a compulsory minimum riddle of 1¾ inches for King Edward and Red King potatoes instead of 1⅝ inches which previously prevailed; and whether, as this order is viewed with much dissatisfaction in the districts concerned owing to the losses entailed, he will make a representation on the subject to the board?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am informed that the object of the regulation of the Potato Marketing Board, to which my hon. Friend refers, is temporarily to adjust the loadings of certain varieties of potatoes from the districts named in order to conform with market conditions, and that the regulation was made in the interests of growers. The regulation came into force on 29th January, and will expire on 28th February. With regard to the latter part of the question the 943 matter is one primarily between the board and their constituents and, as my hon. Friend will appreciate, it would be undesirable for me to intervene.
Mr. HASLAMIs my right hon. Friend aware that it is the discriminatory nature of the order and its application only to these counties that is causing great concern to the growers?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThere are full arrangements under the scheme whereby grievances can be investigated and, if necessary, redressed.
§ Mr. de ROTHSCHILDWill the right hon. Gentleman himself intervene in this matter and see that the growers in these three counties are dealt with in as fair a manner as the growers in other parts of the country?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThe growers in other parts of the country accepted the scheme and are working it themselves, and it would be out of order for me to intervene.
§ Mr. de ROTHSCHILDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the growers of these three counties have been very vocal and have complained bitterly to the board, but have had no redress from the board up to the present time?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThere is, as my right hon. Friend knows, proper machinery for investigating complaints, and, if necessary, they can lay complaints before the Minister.