§ Sir J. Gilmourasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the average price of ware potatoes in Scotland over each of the last eight weeks; how this compares with the guaranteed price; and whether he will take steps to introduce a support buying programme.
§ Mr. Ross:My Department's estimate of the average price per ton of ware potatoes to growers in Scotland for the eight weeks since 22nd October was £13, £12 15s., £12 12s. 6d.. £12, £11 17s. 6d., £11 17s. 6d., £11 17s. 6d. and £11 15s. respectively. The guaranteed price is £14 10s. per ton which relates to the United Kingdom and the season as a whole.
319WThe Potato Marketing Board, with the approval of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and myself, has today announced the introduction of a support buying programme for Great Britain.