HC Deb 02 May 1938 vol 335 cc502-4
31. Mr. Craven-Ellis

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the present quantity of potatoes held by the Potato Marketing Board; what is the average price at which these potatoes were purchased; and how this compares with the average price of similar potatoes in the open market to-day?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon Friend the Member for Manchester, Moss Side (Mr. Rostron Duckworth) on 11th April. The board's purchases mainly comprised Majestic potatoes for delivery in May, and the average price paid was 87s. 6d. per ton. The average price for Majestic potatoes at Wisbech market for the week ended 30th April was 125s., as compared with 91s. 3d. a week earlier.

32. Mr. Craven-Ellis

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, before deciding to purchase and hold off the market potatoes deemed to be surplus to human requirements, the Potato Marketing Board took any steps, and, if so, of what nature, to consult the representatives of potato merchants, retailers or consumers, with a view to ascertaining to what extent stocks of potatoes in this country could be equitably so defined?

Mr. Morrison

The Potato Marketing Board include representatives of the potato trade as well as of producers, but I am informed that the board did not consult other persons or bodies in connection with their recent purchases of surplus potatoes. I would add that the board were under no obligation to do so.

Mr. Craven-Ellis

What is the percentage of producers on the Board?

Mr. Morrison

I think there are 31 members of the Board, and 24 members are engaged in production.

Mr. Alexander

Are we to gather from the Minister's answer that the Potato Marketing Board are in fact making a profit on the purchase and sale of surplus potatoes, and are therefore running a sort of miniature corner?

Mr. Morrison

The Board are doing precisely what they are empowered to do by the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1931, and by the scheme. It is a fact that the potatoes they have bought have yielded a profit.

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