§ Mr. Galeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the volume of new potatoes imported from France in the period May-June 1984; what was the volume of new potatoes imported from France in the period May-June 1985; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregorNew potato imports from France during May and June 1984 totalled 1,144 tonnes and 14,751 tonnes respectively. Imports in May amounted to 2,590 tonnes. Official statistics from HM Customs and Excise are not yet available for June 1985. However, it seems likely that total imports from France this season will be below traditional levels. It is estimated that new potato imports from all sources will be around 75,000 tonnes less this season than last. Although the market is depressed throughout Europe, it appears that it is a high level of domestic liftings rather than imports that is having the main effect on our market at present.