§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many tons of potatoes were exported from Northern Ireland during October, November and December 1975; and what is the present position with regard to the supply of potatoes to shops in the Province.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesSeed and ware potato exports to foreign countries and shipments to Great Britain from Northern Ireland in the months October, November and December 1975 were as follows:
To Foreign Countries To Great Britain Seed (Tons) Ware (Tons) Seed (Tons) Ware (Tons) October 1,590 880 1,680 350 November 11,780 — 2,530 1,520 December 14,920 — 2,370 3,540 Total 28,290 880 6,580 5,410 Information is not collected on the supply of potatoes to shops in Northern Ireland, but indications are that supplies of potatoes in the Province are adequate at present.
§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his latest estimate of the cost of seed potatoes in 1976.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture does not collect information on the cost of seed to purchasers.
Many growers bought seed in the autumn for home planting at prices substantially lower than current prices, which 245W I understand may be as high as £200 per ton or more.