§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what supplies of ware and stock feed potatoes are held by the Potato Marketing Board on the Isle of Wight; and when it anticipates releasing them for sale.
§ Mr. BishopThe Potato Marketing Board estimates that there remain about 1,000 tonnes of potatoes on the Isle of Wight, of which some 350 tonnes have been contracted to the board under the 1978 crop support buying programme. Human consumption needs on the island up to the end of the season are assessed at around 850 tonnes. The supply situation does not, therefore, appear to warrant release of contracted stocks at this time, but the board has been asked to limit stockfeed sales so that a reserve can be maintained to meet market needs later in the season.