HC Deb 26 February 1976 vol 906 cc597-8
2. Mr. Molloy

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a further statement on the present level of potato prices.

8. Mr. James Lamond

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the latest position regarding the supply of potatoes.

The Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. E. S. Bishop)

On the potato situation in general, I have nothing to add to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing) on 26th January, to the statement made during the debate on the Adjournment on 28th January, and to the reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Oldham, East (Mr. Lamond) on 16th February. The average United Kingdom producer price in the week ending 21st February was about £183 per ton and retail prices are currently in a range of 9½p-14p per lb.—[Vol. 904, c. 29–31; Vol. 905, c. 490.]

Mr. Molloy

Is my hon. Friend aware that housewives and greengrocer retailers, angered by the price increases, have now been further incensed because mouldy, substandard potatoes have been mixed with potatoes for human consumption? This is a disgraceful form of cheating. How does my hon. Friend intend to remedy the situation, to stop the cheating and to prevent its recurrence? How does he intend to bring down the price of potatoes?

Mr. Bishop

I am aware of my hon. Friend's concern about this matter and I have been in contact with him about it. However, I do not believe that the complaint is general. The problem may be centered in some areas. The remedy for those affected would be through the Food and Drugs Act.

Mr. Pym

Will the Minister inform his hon. Friend that it is important to ensure that a realistic guaranteed price level is arranged in the Price Review so that the full acreage is taken up and supplies next year are adequate?

Mr. Bishop

I recognise the point made by the right hon. Gentleman. The guaranteed price is a factor that must be taken into consideration. The right hon. Gentleman will have to await the outcome of the Review. Nevertheless, there are other factors that influence the acreage actually planted.

Mr. Lamond

Has our membership of the EEC helped or hindered my hon. Friend in dealing with this matter?

Mr. Bishop

My hon. Friend will be aware of our actions and the representations to the Community on this matter. Following application by the United Kingdom, the CCT on new and main-crop potatoes has been suspended until 28th March.

Mr. Michael Latham

For the benefit of his hon. Friends, will the Minister confirm that it is Government policy to take no action on this matter before the Price Review?

Mr. Bishop

I am not sure that the hon. Member's observations need a reply. Although I fully recognise that the potato shortage has caused some problems for many people, nevertheless many of us would do well to reduce our consumption of potatoes. I understand how hon. Members generally want to carry more weight in public affairs, but the potato does not always help to put it in the right place.