Potatoes

HC Deb 01 November 1948 vol 457 cc503-4

40. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the fact that a substantial tonage of potatoes throughout the country, which has been lifted recently, was affected by blight, but is at present quite sound for consumption, he is taking steps to enable those who have stocks to dispose of them before they deteriorate.

Mr. Strachey

I will do everything possible to help growers to clear stocks liable to deteriorate as a result of the attack of late blight now infecting some varieties; but I cannot apply the guaranteed market to other than sound ware potatoes.

Mr. De la Bère

Is the Minister aware that the problem of potato stocks throughout the country is urgent and vital? Is he aware that, inevitably, owing to the lack of vision of the Ministry of Food, a great deal of food will be wasted and a great many growers will be disheartened? It is urgent. Will he take action, swift and sure about it? Can he hear me?

Mr. Strachey

Yes, Sir, I am able to hear the hon. Gentleman, but the action we shall take is to continue to sell surplus stocks for animal feeding, which we are doing.

66. Mr. Niall Macpherson

asked the Minister of Food why the variety of early potato known as Ninetyfold has been reduced from group I to the lowest group for the 1949 harvest.

Mr. Strachey

In recent seasons the variety Ninetyfold has been found to give less satisfactory results than newer early varieties. The lower price for seed produced from the 1949 crop will be more in keeping with its current demand and value.

Mr. Macpherson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this potato has been on the market for 50 years, is an excellent cropper, is particularly resistant to virus and leaf roll diseases, and is particularly popular in areas such as Cheshire, Staffordshire and South Lancashire; and have the Ministry of Food only recently discovered that it is an unsatisfactory potato?

Mr. Strachey

We, in conjunction with the agricultural departments, must follow what appears to be the demand in this respect when fixing our price schedules