§ Mr. MacArthurasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of the 1964 potato crop now remains unsold on Scottish farms.
§ Mr. RossThe latest available figures are those at 31st January and I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 22nd February to the hon. Member for Fife, East (Sir J. Gilmour).
§ Mr. MacArthurasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what tonnage of potatoes remains unsold in Perthshire; and what were the equivalent figures in recent years.
§ Mr. RossAt 31st January this year and in the two previous years the total tonnage of potatoes unsold in Perthshire was as follows.
31st January, 1965 31st January, 1964 31st January, 1963 Seed … 68,000 61,000 71,000 Ware … 49,000 25,000 44,000 Total … 117,000 86,000 115,000
§ Mr. MacArthurasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what estimate he has made of the consequential effect on Scottish agriculture of the present low return to Scottish potato growers;
(2) if he is aware of the heavy losses facing potato growers in Scotland; and what consideration he has given to the 147W consequences of a reduction in acreage, particularly in relation to the retail price of potatoes.
§ Mr. RossReturns to growers must be viewed in the light of the season as a whole and the effects of the joint support buying programme announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food On 22nd February have yet to be seen. The purpose of this programme is of course to steady the market generally.
Present evidence is that there is likely to be only a slight reduction in the Scottish potato acreage in 1965. There is no reason to fear an adverse effect on retail prices from this cause.
§ Mr. MacArthurasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he has now completed his review of the problems confronting potato producers in Scotland; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will accept the commercial judgment of the Potato Marketing Board regarding the need for an urgent support buying programme.
§ Mr. RossI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food gave on 22nd February to the hon. Member for Bury and Radcliffe (Mr. Ensor).