§ 53. Mr. Wardasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the doubling of potato prices in the past year, which is leading to the closure of fish and chip shops in Peterborough; whether, he is satisfied with the effect of EEC levies on the end of season price levels; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BishopSome sections of the trade have recently expressed concern about supplies and prices of potatoes, and my officials are in close touch with the principal interests. At this time of year the domestic old crop rapidly runs514W down, and recent weather conditions have delayed the building up of the new crop. Imports of new potatoes from Cyprus, which fish friers normally use to bridge the gap between the old and new home crops, have been rather less than expected. There is no EEC common policy for potatoes. The tariff on imports of new potatoes has little impact on end of-season price levels. Supplies from Cyprus, our main overseas source at this time, are covered by a duty-free quota.