HC Deb 18 January 1972 vol 829 cc198-9
7. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to deal with the surplus of potatoes.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Anthony Stodart)

Most of the surplus is expected to be sold for stockfeed, but we are ready to consider any outlet which will achieve the aims of the support buying programme at an acceptable cost to the Exchequer.

Mr. Mills

But in view of the Potato Marketing Board's £18 million deficit last year, and an even higher deficit this year, is not it time that we made a concerted effort to reduce imports of new potatoes, canned potatoes and powdered potatoes? Why cannot the British housewife have British Smash rather than Canadian Smash?

Mr. Stodart

Processed imports to which my hon. Friend referred, other than those coming from the Commonwealth, are subject to a tariff. An anti-dumping application is being considered.

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