§ 1. Mr. Brewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration he gave to the expected level of potato imports before fixing the acreage quota at 85 per cent. for homegrown early potatoes.
§ The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Cledwyn Hughes)The quota, which applies to all potatoes, was fixed by the Potato Marketing Board in accordance with its powers under the Potato Marketing Scheme, after consultation with the Agricultural Departments and the Farmers Unions. My Department's concern in this matter was to secure an acreage consistent with our policy of self-sufficiency in maincrop potatoes.
§ Mr. BrewisIs the Minister not concerned that the value of imports of new and processed potatoes in the last two years have been so much higher than the previous four years? Should he not urgently seek ways of giving home growers a bigger share of the market—indeed, all of the market in July—when we can grow all the potatoes that we need?
§ Mr. HughesThe object is to secure self-sufficiency, a laudable target. I do not think that the hon. Gentleman would wish to exaggerate the situation. Cyprus, which is a Commonwealth country, is likely to send about 100,000 tons this year compared with 136,000 tons in 1968. This arrangement results from negotiations between British and Cyprus growers. The situation is satisfactory.