§ Sir F. Medlicottasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the concern felt by farmers in Norfolk, and elsewhere, over the substantial imports of continental potatoes at the present time when the market is already fully supplied with home-grown potatoes, and there is the prospect of a substantial surplus in the potato crop; and If he will take immediate action to prevent any further imports and thus prevent the waste of home-grown food which will otherwise be inevitable.
§ Mr. John HareThere has been an Open General Licence for imports of new potatoes since 1953 and it would be contrary to our international obligations to impose quantitative restrictions now. Imports of maincrop potatoes are, of course, not permitted unless there is evidence of a shortage of home-produced supplies.