§ 79. Mr. Randallasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the threatened potato shortage and consequent rise in prices, what discussions he had early in the season with the Potato Marketing Board to assess the supplies required by consumers later on; and what action was taken as a result of such discussions.
Mr. VaneFrequent consultations took place between the Board and the Ministry from the beginning of the season. The end of October census suggested that supplies were sufficient to meet requirements for the season and the census taken at the end of December showed that sufficient stocks were available to last through the spring months. It was not until 13th March, when the end of February stock census became available, that it appeared that there would be a significant shortage. Imports were therefore authorised within two days.