§ 11. Mr. Snowasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that there is some anxiety that the total acreage under potato cultivation is too near the theoretical acreage needed for total consumption; and what his policy is likely to be.
§ Mr. PeartThe potato acreage is one of the factors to be taken into account at the Annual Review, and I cannot anticipate its outcome.
§ Mr. SnowIs my right hon. Friend happy about the predictability of the potato crop in this country? Is he aware that there is some anxiety that the difference between the permissive acreage and the actual crop is somewhat marginal?
§ Mr. SoamesIf the right hon. Gentleman goes on treating potato growers as he has done in the last week or so, whatever he says about acreage or prices he will not get enough potatoes grown next year.
§ Sir H. Legge-BourkeIn fixing the acreage for the coming season, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that a variation of even a ton an acre can have a catastrophic effect on the supply of potatoes coming forward? Will he also bear in mind that last season's conditions have resulted in rather more machinery damage than usual and that fewer potatoes of high quality are coming on to the market? Will the right hon. Gentleman bear all this in mind and listen for once to what the Potato Marketing Board has to say?
§ Mr. PeartCertainly I will listen, but that does not mean to say that I have to take everyone's advice.