HC Deb 28 July 1977 vol 936 cc373-4W
24. Mr. Hooley

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what changes will be made in the growing, acreage, marketing and supply of potatoes in the United Kingdom as a result of EEC proposals about this crop.

Mr. Bishop

The Commission's proposals for a potato regime have been under discussion since January 1976. The Council of Ministers last February called for a re-examination, which is still in progress. In the longer term changes in our arrangements for potatoes will depend on the outcome of these negotiations, but in respect of the 1977–78 crop the Government have given an assurance that the price guarantee to producers will be fulfilled.