§ 59. Mr. Championasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations he had with the representatives of the consumer interests before he decided to change the guarantee arrangements for potatoes.
§ Mr. John HareI have the interests of all consumers constantly in mind, but these arrangements deal with guarantees to the producer. The new arrangements were therefore agreed with the farming industry and the question of consultation with consumer interests did not arise. Production policy is not affected by the change in the system.
§ 60. Mr. Championasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that the proposed arrangements for the guarantees on potatoes will ensure the planting of an acreage sufficient to 66W supply the home market in an average yield year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John HareThe Government have agreed with the producers' representatives a price under the new guarantee arrangements that is equivalent to the present support price. I see no reason why the change in system should lead to any reduction in the present acreage which given average yields is sufficient to meet our requirements of ware potatoes.