§ Sir A. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the latest import figures for main crop potatoes; to what extent the remainder of the home crop is finding a ready market; how current retail prices compare with this time last year; what are the prospects of this year's home crop of early potatoes; and what estimate he has made of the total planting of potatoes this season compared with last year.
§ Mr. HareImports of main crop potatoes during the three weeks ended 18th April are estimated at about 29,000 tons, and about 347,000 tons have been imported since the beginning of the season.
The remainder of the home crop is finding a steady market with producers' prices in England and Wales generally ranging from £23 to £26 per ton for white varieties.
Current retail prices for main crop potatoes are mostly about ½d. per lb. lower than those ruling at this time last year.
Planting and growing conditions for this year's early crop have been generally favourable and at present the crop promises to be rather earlier and heavier than last year but conditions can change rapidly.
My Ministry has not yet made an estimate of the total planting of potatoes this year. In England and Wales, farmers make a return on 4th March of their intended plantings. I hope that these figures will be available in the near future and I will send them to my hon. Friend.