§ 36. Mr. Stodartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the average price realised for ware potatoes, grown in Scotland, which have been marketed between 27th September, 1959, and the present date.
§ Mr. LeburnThe average price for ware potatoes sold in Scotland for human consumption between 27th September, 1959, and 30th April, 1960, is provisionally estimated at £10 8s. 6d. per ton. The average as at the present date cannot yet be calculated.
§ Mr. StodartIs my hon. Friend aware that two rather disturbing features arise here? First, although the price he has quoted is nearly £3 below the support price, no deficiency payment will be available, and, secondly, the flood of imported early potatoes is doing nothing to make an already disturbing situation any easier?
§ Mr. LeburnMy hon. Friend will bear in mind that the potato guarantee is a collective guarantee designed to ensure a reasonable return to the industry as a whole. In considering the position of Scottish potato growers, it must be remembered that half of the Scottish potato acreage is grown for the higher-priced seed market.