§ 88. Mrs. Coldrickasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of recent criminal offences in connection with the marketing of potatoes; if he is satisfied with the powers at present conferred upon the Potato Marketing Board; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GodberMy right hon. Friend is, of course, aware of recent criminal proceedings in connection with the marketing of potatoes. These prosecutions related to purchases of surplus potatoes by the Ministry of Food before the Potato Marketing Board assumed any responsibility for the operation of the guarantee. But the support price arrangements operated by the Board from 1955 to 1959 were essentially the same as those in force under the Ministry of Food and the scope for fraud and other malpractices was one of the reasons which led to the Government's decision to introduce a new system of guarantee for the 1959 crop. Although no system of guarantee is proof against abuse, my right hon. Friend is satisfied that the new arrangements will offer far fewer opportunities for malpractices and that the existing powers of the Board are sufficient to operate the guarantee satisfactorily. My right hon. Friend proposes to make a (Protection of Guarantees) Order under the Agriculture Act 1957 supporting the new arrangements and this Order will be submitted to the House in due course for affirmative Resolution.