§ 23. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will set up a committee to inquire into the causes of the reecnt heavy losses sustained by early potato growers and to make proposals for a long term policy for Scottish early potato growers.
§ Mr. J. StuartNo, Sir. The Potato Marketing Board has already met officials about the marketing of new potatoes, and a further meeting with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, with whom I have a joint interest in these matters, is to be held as soon as possible.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Secretary of State not realise that this is the second year in succession in which there have been very heavy losses incurred by the early potato growers, that the late potato growers are also affected, and that the farmers of Ayrshire are as disgusted with him as are the fishermen of Caithness?
§ Mr. StuartThat is very regrettable.