§ 17. Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the advice given to him by the Potato Marketing Board; and if he will make a statement on the potato supply position.
§ M. BishopYes. It is always difficult to estimate potato supplies, and particularly so at this time of year when the quantities of new home-grown potatoes coming on to the market depend on weather conditions. This year the long spell of dry weather delayed the development of the crop. I am glad to say that the recent rainfall has significantly improved the situation.
§ 19. Mr. Huntasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his Department's policy regarding the issue of licences for the importation of Dutch potatoes into the United Kingdom; and how many such licences were granted and refused, respectively, during May and June.
§ Mr. BishopLicences are not required to import Dutch new potatoes into Great270W Britain, except in September and October when imports are banned. In line with the United Kingdom's policy of self-sufficiency in main crop potatoes, imports of main crop are normally banned. One written application for imports of main crop potatoes from the Netherlands was received in May and one in June, and these were refused. Telephone inquirers and those making oral representations were told that licences were not being issued for imports of maincrop potatoes.