§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement about potato supplies for the remainder of the present season.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartI am glad to say that the 1973 crop is of good yield and quality, and I believe that supplies from the home crop will meet our needs until next season. However, as consumption could well be higher than last year, the Government have decided to prohibit the export of ware potatoes as from midnight on 20th February. This period of notice is being given in order to allow exporters a reasonable time to deal with business already arranged so that undue disturbance of the trade will be avoided. The normal ban on the import of main-crop potatoes will be suspended from the same date. The EEC Commission has been informed of these measures. Seed potato exports are not affected by this ban: licences will be issued for them.