HC Deb 27 March 1913 vol 50 cc1855-6W
Mr. HARRISON-BROADLEY

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture what steps have been taken, if any, with a view to having the embargo removed on British potatoes entering the United States of America, as being unreasonable and unwarranted; and, if nothing has been done, may this important matter be taken up at once?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I have been in communication with the Foreign Office on this subject, and from inquiries they have made I have come to the conclusion that it would be inexpedient to make representations to the United States Government at the present time. The potato crop of 1912 in America was a large one, and no demand for European potatoes exists. The position is being carefully watched, and at the first favourable opportunity an effort will be made to secure a modification of the existing regulations.