§ 81 and 82. Mr. Rentonasked the Minister of Food (1) upon what average yield per acre the current prices paid to potato growers are based;
(2) upon what estimated average cost per acre of growing potatoes the current prices paid to potato growers are based.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe prices paid to potato growers are not based on arithmetical calculations of costs per acre for particular acreages, but are fixed after consultation with producers' representatives at such a level as will in the Government's view be sufficiently profitable to a number of growers to give reasonable certainty that the target acreage will be achieved.
§ 83. Mr. Rentonasked the Minister of Food why potato growers in Hunts, are being paid 5s. per ton less than potato 14W growers in Beds for potatoes of similar quality grown on similar types of soil; and whether he will take steps to raise the prices paid to potato growers in Hunts to the same level as those paid in Beds.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe scale of prices now prescribed for potatoes is based on accepted trade values and practice. My right hon. Friend cannot agree to an alteration of the system.