§ Miss Quennellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what study he has made of the further evidence, a copy of which is in his possession, that suggests a link between the eating of blighted potatoes and congenital abnormalities.
§ Sir K. JosephMy officials have carefully considered this preliminary report on current studies, and are obtaining the opinions of the Department's consultant190W advisers and other recognised authorities. I am placing all the evidence before the Department's expert committees which will advise on the need for any further research or other action.
In the United Kingdom, potatoes affected by blight are unlikely to reach consumers in anything more than very small quantities. In the present year the main crop is virtually free from blight. It is always wise to discard any potatoes that are diseased, decayed or discoloured, and to cut away damaged portions from others.