§ 44. Mr. Brewisasked the President of the Board of Trade what was the tonnage of early potatoes imported this year; and how it compares with 1966 and 1967.
§ Mr. Dell303 thousand tons in the first 10 months of this year compared with 234 thousand and 304 thousand tons in the corresponding periods of 1966 and 1967.
§ Mr. BrewisIn view of the very large imports of potatoes, particularly in the months of June and July when we can grow them perfectly well ourselves, will the hon. Gentleman seek an agreement with our overseas suppliers to exercise restraint in what they send, and will he do so urgently?
§ Mr. DellThis is a question for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, but it is against our trading interests and contrary to international obligations to place further restrictions on early potatoes for balance of payments reasons.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesWhat is likely to happen to the importation of new potatoes and the new potato industry in Scotland when we enter the Common Market?
§ Mr. BessellIs the hon. Gentleman aware that very considerable hardship has been caused to growers of new potatoes, particularly in the South-West? will he, therefore, look at this matter with some urgency?
§ Mr. DellI shall certainly look at this question. If there were a cause for anti-dumping action, the industry could make such an application but no such application has been received.