§ Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is 88W aware there is a shortage of potatoes resulting in price increases; and what steps he is taking to relieve the position.
§ Mr. Hoy:As reported in Cmnd. Paper 4321, Annual Review and Determination of Guarantees 1970, weather restricted plantings of potatoes in 1969 and the main crop may be a little short of demand. This is the cause of the high prices this spring. To safeguard supplies, on 15th December, 1969 the Government lifted the ban on maincrop imports, and on 5th January this year introduced a temporary licensing control to restrict exports.