§ Mr. Kimballasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the doubts expressed by some of the Lincolnshire representatives on the Potato Marketing Board about efficiency of the new system of support for this year's crop; what proposals he has for meeting their objections; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GodberMy right hon. Friend is generally aware of the concern expressed by some growers about the effect of the new potato guarantee arrangements which were set out in the White Paper on the Price Review. But these arrangements were exhaustively discussed with the farmers' unions and the Potato Marketing Board; and my right hon. Friend is sure the right course is to give the new arrangements a fair trial and judge them by the results over a reasonable period.
§ Mr. Kimballasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the Potato Marketing Board for financial support.
§ Mr. GodberWe have had lengthy confidential discussions with the Board about these matters. My right hon. Friend has assured the Board that immediately it is clear that a deficiency payment will be due over the year as a whole, an advance payment will be made.