§ 46. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Minisster of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated amount of potatoes that will be licensed for import into this country during the next six months.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. James Scott-Hopkins)I cannot estimate what the quantity involved will be. So long as there is a risk of shortage later in the season, imports will be admitted freely from countries that can satisfy our plant health requirements.
§ Mr. WainwrightWill the hon. Gentleman ensure that ample supplies come in without harming the producers and also to cater for the needs of the consumers? Will he look into what happened last year, when exporters from other countries broke agreements with British importers with the result that prices increased two, three, and sometimes four times?
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsWe will watch the situation very carefully to see that we do not get a repetition, as far as it can be avoided, of conditions of last year.
§ Mr. PeartWill the hon. Gentleman ensure that consultations take place with the Potato Board in view of what happened last year, when there was a crisis?
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsWe are in constant touch with the Board. The hon. Gentleman need have no fear on that score.