§ 7. Mr. Jesselasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current price of new potatoes.
§ Mr. StrangAt this time of year there are virtually no new potatoes on the market. Average retail prices of potatoes from the 1974 maincrop are 2½p to 3½p per pound.
§ Mr. JesselNew potatoes will not be the only thing that are not on the market. Pending next season's new supply, will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that during the coming winter there will be an adequate supply of potatoes at reasonable prices?
§ Mr. StrangI think the hon. Member will be aware that there is a sensible quota system in this country for the production of potatoes. Inevitably the yields fluctuate from year to year. We are in the middle of the potato harvest, but as things stand we are confident that we should have adequate home-produced supplies from our present main crop.