§ Mr. George Grantasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is the current average retail price per stone of first early seed potatoes; and how it compares with each of the five previous years;
(2) if he is satisfied with the increase in the price of seed potatoes; and if he will make a statement;
733W(3) what is the minimum size of certified seed potatoes; and if there has been any recent reduction in the minimum size.
§ Mr. BishopSeed potato prices traditionally command a premium over ware potato prices, which have been high this season due to the shortfall in ware production. Most farmers have already secured their seed supplies for next season, though I am aware that many gardeners buy at this time of year. This trade is small in relation to total seed potato usage and my Department does not collect retail prices of seed potatoes. There is no statutory minimum size for certified seed potatoes grown in Great Britain. For certified seed potatoes grown in Northern Ireland the prescribed minimum size is 35mm for the whole of this season, but this can be varied in particular cases subject to agreement by the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland.