§ 75. Mr. Kelleyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to promote British potato production in the future to a standard necessary to meet the needs of the home market.
Mr. VaneThe weather, among other factors, can bear upon both the acreage planted and the yield of potatoes. While the 1960 crop produced a surplus, last year planting conditions in some areas were difficult, and the acreage fell. It is the Government's objective to secure, through the influence of the guarantee, an acreage sufficient to meet the needs of the home market at reasonable prices. I hope that a Market Support Fund will86W be established to supplement the guarantee arrangements in years of heavy surplus and give even greater confidence to producers.
§ 76. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the approximate number of tons of potatoes he will allow to be imported into this country in order to overcome the potato shortage.
Mr. VaneSince 15th March imports of main crop potatoes have been allowed in freely from countries that can satisfy our plant health requirements. These arrangements will continue so long as there is a shortage.