HC Deb 25 July 1949 vol 467 cc1789-90
10. Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the 40s. per ton surcharge on Royal Kidney seed potatoes exported from the Wisbech area to Spain is resulting in Spanish buyers seeking their seed potatoes from France, Eire, Holland and Denmark; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Strachey

Consultation on the question of retaining the Seed Potatoes (Charges) Order in the coming season are still taking place, and when a decision is reached I will write to the hon. and gallant Member.

Major Legge-Bourke

Does the right hon. Gentleman not recall that I raised this matter with him on 14th February, when he said he would be glad to discuss it with the Chancellor of the Exchequer? Can he say why the delay has been so long, and what prospects there are of a successful outcome of the deliberations?

Mr. Strachey

These discussions are going on. As the hon. and gallant Mem- ber realises, there is a case for this order which merely takes back the subsidy payment on acreages which otherwise could be held to constitute a subsidy on exports.

Major Legge-Bourke

Surely it would not be in the interests of this country to allow the growers or the merchants to lose this market with Spain, which was quite a valuable one before the war?

Mr. Strachey

I think there is force in the hon. and gallant Member's contention.

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