§ 11. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated amount, in tons, of potatoes that will be licensed for import into this country during the next six months.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsNew potatoes are imported under open general licence. The quantity arriving will depend on avail-abilities and the market situation. Imports of maincrop potatoes will not be allowed unless they are needed.
§ Mr. WainwrightWhen the importation of potatoes is being considered, will the Minister take into account the consumer as well as the producer? Does he recall that, two years ago, at a time 902 when there was a shortage of potatoes in this country, many importers had their contracts broken by exporters from other countries? Has he any plans to safeguard importers against such broken contracts in the future?
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsMy right hon. Friend will, of course, pay attention to the needs of consumers and bear in mind their point of view as well as that of producers. On present forecasts, agreed with the Potato Marketing Board, it looks, on the evidence available at present, as though supply and demand will be pretty nearly in balance, but, of course, my right hon. Friend will watch the situation extremely carefully.
§ 16. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied with the quality of British ware potatoes marketed for pre-packing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsThere is always scope for improvement; and we have been glad to learn that the Potato Marketing Board is expanding considerably its research and investigation activities in relation to users' requirements, including those of the pre-packer.
§ Mr. HastingsIs my hon. Friend aware that, while percentage rejects on offer to pre-packers in this country can average as high as 20 per cent. to 25 per cent., there are ware potatoes regularly on offer for export in Holland with a reject percentage as low as 2 per cent.? Will my right hon. Friend encourage the Potato Marketing Board to devote even more of its resources and time to this problem?
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsI am sure that the Potato Marketing Board will take note of what my hon. Friend has said. Indeed, it is spending over £36,000 on research, development and education over and above the new plant which it is providing for experimental purposes at Sutton Fridge.
§ 17. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the hourly capacity of the two pre-pack plants set up by the Potato Marketing Board at Sutton Bridge; and the actual hourly through-put at present peak.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsThe Potato Marketing Board has stated that the productive capacity of the station's grading and packing lines is expected eventually to be 500 tons a week. I have no doubt that the Board, with whom, I understand, my hon. Friend is in touch, will be glad to give him full details.
§ Mr. HastingsIs my hon. Friend aware that there is anxiety, particularly among pre-packers, about the true purpose and efficacy of this large plant, the cost of which, I understand, is about £300,000? Although I understand that its size may be related to the experimental problems involved, can my hon. Friend assure the industry, or get the Potato Marketing Board to explain and assure the industry, that there can be no question of the Board setting up in competition?
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsMy hon. Friend realises, I am sure, that this is an experimental station. The Board has stated that one of the functions of the station will be to examine in detail consumer demand for potatoes as well as to carry out market research and to produce test samples for consumers to try. The Board will make its findings available to all concerned in potato marketing. My hon. Friend need not have too much concern on that score, and I am sure that the House will generally welcome the Board's initiative. I should emphasise to my hon. Friend that, as I am sure he will realise, the Potato Marketing Board is an independent body.