§ 88. Mr. Peartasked the Minister of Agriculture what is the estimated production of potatoes, in tons, for 1952 and 1953.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe estimated production of potatoes in the United Kingdom from the 1952 crop is 7,267,000 tons. I am unable to give any estimate for the 1953 crop.
§ 94. Mr. G. R. Howardasked the Minister of Agriculture in view of the shortage of main crop potatoes, what steps he proposes to take to ensure that sufficient quantities of early potato seed will be order and planted to offset a possible potato famine in late May and early June.
§ Sir T. DugdaleAlthough it is not possible at this stage to forecast what supplies of main crop potatoes of the present year's crop will be available in May and June next year, I am advised by my right hon. Friend the Minister of 141W Food that on present indications there is no reason to expect a shortage. As regards next season's early potato crop my hon. Friend is aware that it has been decided that if the seasonal suspension of the open general licence is necessary in 1953, imports of early potatoes will be suspended from 16th May, subject to the supplies available from home production.