§ Sir F. Macleanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how the price of early potatoes in Ayrshire and Bute compares with this time last year; how the level of imports compares with this time last year; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NobleGrowers' prices for first early varieties in the week ending 29th July have been generally about £7 per ton as compared with £12 to £14 per ton in the week ending 31st July, 1963. Total imports into Great Britain in May and June, 1964, were 184,000 tons as compared with 159,000 tons in May and June, 1963. Imports in July, 1963, were 19,000 tons. Figures for July, 1964, are not yet available, but are likely to be appreciably lower than last year. There have been no shipments since mid-July. The market however appears to be over-supplied at present and in the 303W circumstances the Potato Marketing Board has introduced a buying programme.