§ 22. Mr. Brewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy as to the amount of early potatoes to be grown in Great Britain.
§ Mr. HoyWithin the protection afforded by the tariff, it is for growers themselves to decide what acreage of early potatoes they will plant. Production in any season is, of course, greatly influenced by weather conditions. Having regard to experience in previous years, the Potato Marketing Board indicated in its Report for 1965 that there might be room for a reduction in the acreage of early varieties not ready for lifting until July or early August.
§ Mr. BrewisWould the hon. Gentleman say why the Government exempted early potatoes from the quantity restrictions when they made the Anglo-Irish Treaty recently? Is this not certain to have a most undesirable effect on growers in the remote areas of Cornwall, Pembroke, Penrith and the like?
§ Mr. HoyI do not think it will have an undesirable effect. Indeed, as the hon. Gentleman knows, they come, in the main, from two members of the Commonwealth. Where other potatoes are sought to be imported into this country, there is a considerable tariff to protect our industry.