POTATOES. (Hansard, 14 November 1938)

§ 37. Mr. Turton
asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the low prices that are being offered this season for potatoes; and whether he has any measures in contemplation to secure to those engaged in this branch of agriculture a more adequate return for their labour?

§ Mr. W. S. Morrison
With regard to the first part of the question, I am aware that the prices of ware potatoes to growers have so far been lower this season than for the corresponding period of last year. An important factor in this situation is the total production, which is estimated to be appreciably greater this year than last. As regards the second part, the Potato Marketing Board are empowered by the Potato Marketing Scheme to regulate the marketing of potatoes by registered producers in Great Britain, and they have recently taken action with the object of improving the market situation. Supplies from Northern Ireland during the three months August to October, amounted to only 7,524 tons, as compared with 10,959 tons for the corresponding period last year. Imports from the main supplying countries are strictly regulated under the 483 Potato (Import Regulation) Order, 1934, and nominal quotas only have been fixed for the first part of the current season. Total imports from all sources during the past three months amounted to only 1,746 tons.

Mr. Alexander
Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that this policy of restriction in keeping a plentiful harvest from the poor is likely to solve the problem?

§ Mr. Morrison
The right hon. Gentleman will be aware that potatoes are a crop in which this country is 95 per cent. self-sufficient.

§ Captain McEwen
Has my right hon. Friend considered the advisability of setting up factories to deal with surplus potatoes?

§ Mr. Morrison
Yes, Sir. An experiment on those lines is being conducted now by the Potato Marketing Board in the eastern part of England, and I am hoping to observe the results of it at an early date.

§ Mr. G. Strauss
Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the example of the American Government, who have been sending some of their surplus supplies of wheat to Spain, and send some of our surplus potatoes to Spain?