HC Deb 21 May 1953 vol 515 cc2251-2
52. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the President of the Board of Trade why he did not inform Scottish potato growers at an earlier stage that the import ban on early potatoes after 15th May did not apply to imports from Malta and Cyprus and other Commonwealth countries.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The National Farmers' Union were informed of the position by letter on 8th May, but I regret that, by an oversight, the Scottish growers did not learn of it until three days later.

Mr. Hughes

What compensation is to be paid to the Scottish farmers?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Fortunately, no damage will accrue to them, because the early Scottish potatoes are not normally lifted until the third week in June, so that the Cyprus and Malta potatoes will not be competing with them.