§ Mr. Terry Walkerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will hold an investigation into the quality of potatoes being sold to consumers at present.
§ Mr. BishopThe quality of the crop in Northern Europe has generally been below average this reason because of problems caused by last summer's drought and the subsequent wet harvesting conditions. In the United Kingdom the matter is kept under continual review. The Potato Marketing Board lays down minimum quality standards for all potatoes sold for human consumption by its registered producers and licensed merchants, and investigates complaints by consumers who are dissatisfied with the quality of potatoes purchased. The board has relaxed the normal riddle requirements, which relate to size, in order to maximise market supplies, but it has not altered its quality standards.
§ Mr. Terry Walkerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he proposes to take to reduce potato prices; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BishopThe current high price of potatoes reflects the shortage in home and European crops due to last season's drought. Action has already been taken in conjunction with the Potato Marketing Board to ensure the maximum utilisation of what potatoes are available. Potatoes can be imported from all sources that meet our health requirements and the Common Community Tariff on both old and new potatoes has been suspended for a further period. Supplies will, however, remain short until the new season's crop is available.
§ Mr. Terry Walkerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he proposes to take to encourage farmers to return to potato production.
§ Mr. BishopThe area planted to potatoes in 1976 was above that planted in 1974 and 1975 and would have provided ample supplies had weather conditions been normal. It is too early to predict 1977 plantings.