§ 35. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the depressed state of the tomato market; and what measures he intends to take to help growers.
§ Mr. StrangThe market for tomatoes, as for other fresh fruit and vegetables, is seasonal and reacts to changes in supply and demand. The tomato market has recently been buoyant with prices around and, at the end of June, well above the relatively high levels of last year. We shall continue to assist the industry through capital grants, through research and through the help available from the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service.