§ 58. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why a guaranteed increase was given to farmers, in view of the surplus of potatoes over requirements last year; and what protection he will afford the consumer by way of controlling the retail price.
§ Mr. GodberThe Government decided to increase the guaranteed price of potatoes by 5s. 6d. per ton at the last Annual Review because it was considered that the low returns from the 1959 crop might have an unduly discouraging effect on plantings in 1960.
It is not the Government's policy to attempt to control retail prices of potatoes.