§ Sir T. Kitsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the value of imports of dehydrated American potato granules in the years 1975–76, 1976–77 and the first quarter of 1978.
§ Mr. John SilkinThe value of imports of dehydrated potato granules from North America has been as follows:
United States £000 Canada £000 From: 1975 1,010 884 1976 10,490 2,960 1977 6,367 2,792 1978* 137 129 * First quarter. These figures are exclusive of duty. Since 1st July 1977, the full common customs tariff of 19 per cent. has been applied.
§ Sir T. Kitsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the dehydrated section of the potato industry concerning the present imports of cheap dehydrated American granules; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John SilkinA meeting between representatives of the Food Manufacturers430W Federation's dehydrated potato section and officials of my Department was held on 27th April, when all the problems of the industry were discussed. We are now urgently considering further detailed information provided by individual firms.