§ 43. Mr. Haymanasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will investigate the extent to which French early potatoes marketed in Great Britain are subsidised.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsSuch inquiries have already been made. I understand that the export subsidy arrangements for French new potatoes do not apply to exports to this country. The French Government have also announced arrangements for giving assistance in respect of potatoes sold on the domestic market, but these should not affect exports to the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. HaymanWill the Parliamentary Secretary examine the information which I have sent to his Department, that it is suggested that the net return to the French growers in the markets this year and the prices realised would be somewhere about £5 or £6 a ton? Does not that indicate some kind of subsidy being available to the French growers? Will the hon. Gentleman look into this further?
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsI will certainly examine whatever evidence the hon. Gentleman has sent or will send. May I point out that French prices are no lower than those of many other overseas suppliers?
§ 44. Mr. Haymanasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why he extended the import period for French early potatoes until 30th June, in view of the effect this is having on the Cornish crop.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsThe Orders imposing closing dates on imports of new potatoes are made under the Destructive Insects and Pests Acts as a safeguard against the introduction of Colorado beetle. Our International obligations require us to operate such restrictions on plant health considerations alone. The question of an extension of 15 days for French potatoes was considered, as it had to be, solely on these grounds, and in the absence of any plant health objections, the date was postponed accordingly.
§ Mr. HaymanWill the Parliamentary Secretary bear in mind that in view of infestation by the Colorado beetle in Jersey and Guernsey last month, or even earlier this month, Cornish growers are concerned and reluctant to accept the suggestion of this Department that there is no danger of the Colorado beetle being found in this country? Will he examine the matter again?
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsThe arrangements taken by the French to safeguard against the Colorado beetle coming to this country are extensive. The potatoes are riddled and washed and packed in new bags before they are sent here. The beetle which reached Jersey seems to have come from the Cotentim Peninsula, which is not an area from which potatoes are exported to this country.