§ Mr. P. Wellsasked the Minister of Agriculture what drop in acreage he anticipates will result from his decision to 140W reduce the price of sub-standard potatoes by 55s. per ton.
§ Sir T. DugdaleI have made no such reduction. The previous Government announced on 29th March, 1952, that for the 1952 crop the price of sub-standard ware potatoes would be 55s. a ton less than for ordinary ware. For the 1953 crop the discount for sub-standard ware potatoes was left over from the price determination announced last April for separate negotiation before the planting season, on the understanding that the average price to producers for the crop would remain the same as that announced. Discussions are taking place and I hope to announce the result very soon.