§ 54. Mr. David Clarkasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of how many tons of potatoes were deliberately made unsuitable for human consumption in the 1970–71 season.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartAbout 500,000 tons of surplus potatoes have so far been removed from the market and sold for stockfeed under a market support buying programme financed jointly by the Government and the Potato Marketing Board. The potatoes are dyed before sale.
§ Mr. Strangasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the efficacy and estimated cost of the Potato Marketing Board's support-buying campaign.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe support buying programme in Great Britain this season has achieved its initial purpose of placing the record surplus under control. The cost of the programme is currently estimated at about £12½ million, and will be shared between the Government and the Potato Marketing Board.