§ 33. Mr. McKayasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the percentage rise in the market price of potatoes between February, 1961 and February, 1962; and what was the percentage rise in the market price between May, 1961, and May, 1962.
§ Mr. Soames27 per cent. and 112 per cent.
§ 34. Mr. McKayasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the acreage under cultivation for potatoes in 1960 and in 1961; why it was reduced; and what acreage is to be cultivated this year.
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§ Mr. Soames628,000 acres were planted in Great Britain in 1961 compared with 742,000 acres in 1960; the fall in acreage was due partly to difficult planting conditions in some areas and partly to the fall in growers' returns for the previous two seasons. It is too early to state precisely what acreage has been planted this year.
§ 40. Mr. Donnellyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a further statement about the potato situation.
§ 41. Mr. Jegerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the present position of potato stocks; and what steps are being taken to ensure an adequate supply during the future.
§ Mr. SoamesSupplies are likely to be short until potatoes from Jersey and our home crop come on to the market in quantity during this month.
§ 46. Mr. Haymanasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the Cornish early potato crop.
Mr. VaneThe cold spring has retarded the growth of first early potatoes in Cornwall by about three weeks as compared with last year and I do not expect liftings in any quantity for another week or so.