§ Mr. Heddleasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why imported potatoes are not subject to the same inspection procedures as homegrown potatoes.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe Potato Marketing Board lays down and enforces quality standards for home-grown potatoes. The board has no powers to inspect imported potatoes. However, all food imports, including potatoes, are subject to the provisions of the Imported Food Regulations 1968, as amended, and all sales of food are covered by the general provisions of the Food and Drugs Act 1955.
§ Mr. Heddleasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he estimates that imports of potatoes have contributed materially to the present collapse of the trade in ware potatoes.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerYes. Although the volume of imports so far this year is not markedly different from last year, it seems clear that the low prices of imported new potatoes, aggravated by subsidies from certain exporting countries have contributed significantly to the weakness of the market for both main crop and new potatoes. This is why I have taken action to ban imports of new potatoes from certain countries whose potato exports were receiving substantial export subsidies.