HC Deb 22 January 1969 vol 776 cc471-2
21. Mr. Jopling

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied that the 1969 potato crop will be sufficient to meet home demands, in view of the proposal by the Potato Marketing Board to impose an 80 per cent. quota acreage on home producers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hoy

After discussions with the Farmers' Unions and the agricultural Departments, the Potato Marketing Board increased the quota for the 1969 acreage to 85 per cent. of basic acreage. This is calculated to secure plantings by registered producers consistent with the total United Kingdom acreage of 650,000 which my right hon. Friend mentioned in the House on 11th July last year as the acreage that would be sufficient to meet home demand for maincrop potatoes in 1969–70 if yields are not significantly below the level expected in that year.

Mr. Jopling

Is not the Minister aware that potato yields are extremely volatile and that one cannot rely on them? Is he not aware that the 80 per cent. quota bears considerable risks? Will he give an assurance to the housewives of this country that in the next 18 months they can expect reasonable supplies at reasonable prices?

Mr. Hoy

Yes, we are aware that there can be changes in the yields. I think this is well known. What we have also to take care of is that we do not over-supply and bring down the market and make it unprofitable for the industry and those who produce the potatoes.

Sir J. Gilmour

Has the Minister made an estimate of the amount of main crop potato equivalent coming into the country in manufactured form throughout the year?

Mr. Hoy

No, I would not like to give an assurance on that just at the moment. As the hon. Gentleman knows, that was dealt with and comes in another Question. What I was asked was what the acreage was. I think hon. Members know that this is done in consultation with the N.F.U.s, and the final decision is for the Potato Marketing Board.

Mr. John Hall

Would the hon. Gentleman not agree that the record of the Potato Marketing Board over recent years would make it a candidate for the same sort of reorganisation he is arranging for the Egg Marketing Board?

Mr. Hoy

No.