§ Lord Brabazon of Taraasked Her Majesty's Government:
Under what provisions of the Common Agricultural Policy, France, Italy and Spain are allowed to subsidise their potato growers; and what is the justification for any such provisions.
The Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Earl Howe)As there is currently no common organisation of the potato market national subsidies are still permitted.
§ Lord Brabazon of Taraasked Her Majesty's Government:
Following their reply to Lord Stanley of Alderley (HL Deb, 29th March 1993, WA33): what was the total size of the UK potato market in 1992 (or the latest year for which figures are available); and what is the justification for the use of taxpayer's money to subsidise potato growers.
Earl HoweThe 1992 potato harvest totalled 7,863,000 tonnes (provisional) compared with 6,361,000 tonnes in the previous season. As a result potato prices in GB are generally below the price guaranteed under the Agriculture Act 1957 and the Potato Marketing Board has intervened to remove surplus potatoes from the market. The Government have a statutory obligation to participate in this intervention. The obligation will end with the passage of the Agriculture Bill, currently before Parliament.