§ Mr. Bossomasked the Minister of Agriculture whether the deduction of 55s. a ton for sub-standard ware potatoes indicates that it is not his policy to encourage production in areas where growers, through no fault of their own, run the risk of producing sub-standard potatoes.
§ Sir T. DugdaleIt is the Government's policy to encourage the production of104W enough potatoes to satisfy consumer demand, and the arrangements for the guaranteed market for potatoes of the 1953 crop announced by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Food on 5th January should enable growers in all areas to plan this season's planting programme with confidence.
As stated in the announcement, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy, the price payable under the guarantee for sub-ware potatoes will be 40s. per ton below that payable for ware potatoes if the potatoes are offered to the Ministry of Food not later than 31st January, 1954, or 55s. below that price if they are offered between 1st February and 31st March, 1954.