HC Deb 17 April 1958 vol 586 cc340-2
36. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that the recent considerable increase in potato imports has not resulted in a reduction in retail pries, which currently range from 5d. to 6d. per lb.; and what steps he is taking to ensure a further increase in the supply of old potatoes.

Mr. John Hare

I am aware that increased imports have not brought about a reduction in retail prices although they may have prevented them from rising higher. The bulk of the supplies now available are white varieties, the retail price of which ranges from 4d. to 5½d. per lb. The supply position is not easy, but I am convinced that the trades concerned will continue to do all they can to ease the situation by seeking supplies from all sources which do not involve any risk of importing disease.

Mr. Collins

Is the Minister aware that even at the increased level imports equal only 20 per cent. of current demand? Is he satisfied with the price of 5½d. lb. for white potatoes? If the efforts of importers and home producers do not produce sufficient, what does he propose to do about it? In particular, is he able to given any hope of the importation of potatoes for the chip fryers?

Mr. Hare

The last time the hon. Gentleman asked about this matter he asked me if I would introduce price control. I am satisfied that the trades are doing all they can to get the necessary imports, which, I hope, will keep prices down. I should like to tell the hon. Gentleman what the figures are for the last few weeks: 23,247 tons three weeks ago; 21,506 tons; and—the last available figure at 12th April—29,000 tons. So they are coming in.

Mr. Willey

When will the right hon. Gentleman recognise that, in respect of these commodities on which there is a heavy subsidy at the taxpayers' expense, he has the responsibility of seeing that the retail prices are proper in relation to the circumstances? Is he aware that his own statement about prospective scarcity held prices high, and that this is denied by the Potato Marketing Board? Will he now make it clear that he was in error?

Mr. Hare

I do not intend to do anything of the sort. I try to tell the House and the nation the truth. I have no apology to make about this at all. All I do say is that if we were to try price controls, as has been suggested from the other side of the House, we should merely discourage imports and aggravate the position.

Mr. Willey

Will the right hon. Gentleman agree that he is in dispute with the Potato Marketing Board on this?

Mr. Hare

The hon. Gentleman has a fertile imagination. I am working in very close co-operation with the Potato Marketing Board.

Mr. Hurd

Is not it a fact that the potato crop in 1957 was short, and was very short on the Continent, and that that is why supplies are now scarce?

Mr. Hare

My hon. Friend, as usual, is entirely correct.

Mr. Collins

Not at all.