§ 72. Sir Knox Cunninghamasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress he has made in reaching agreement with the Ulster Farmers' Union about payment to the growers of the 1960 potato crop in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MackieI am glad to say that with the agreement of the Ulster Farmers' Union we propose to dispose of the greater part of the Northern Ireland share of the 1960 Potato Deficiency Payment by making a direct payment at the rate of £4 10s. per acre to those producers registered with the Ministry of Agriculture for Northern Ireland as having grown potatoes in 1960. This will account for about £390,000. The remaining £127,000 will be put into a Reserve Fund for use140W from time to time after consultation with the Union for the collective support of the Northern Ireland ware potato market.